Process Development Engineer

Process Development Engineer

Join our international team at The Lubrizol Corporation, a specialty chemical company dedicated to sustainable solutions that advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life.

Location: Avon Lake, Ohio |
Type: Full‑time |
Role: On‑site

The Process Development Engineer is accountable for safely providing ongoing support and solutions for new product developments and strategic manufacturing support projects related to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Responsibilities focus on technology support for key footwear OEMs, Most Effective Technology (MET), additive manufacturing, and regulatory‑driven management of change. The role requires a solid foundation in chemical, mechanical, and process control technologies, along with a rigorous application of process safety management principles.

Experience with polymers, extrusion processes, process automation, and statistical analysis tools is considered a plus.

• Plan, analyze, and safely execute pilot plant extrusion line runs, including reactive TPU extrusion and resin compounding.
• Foster productive communication with Pilot Plant operations staff and lead by example in a coaching/mentoring environment.
• Build professional relationships with Business partners, including Sales and Marketing, Product Management, Synthesis, Application, and Technology Services.
• Maintain comfort with routine customer and supplier interactions while protecting intellectual property.
• Support Estane UOI growth through the use of business processes such as MET, Pilot Plant Request (PPR), Manufacturing Authorization (MA), Product and Portfolio Management Process (PPMP), and related systems.
• Lead and participate in plant and corporate HSE initiatives, including Leader Standard Work (LSW), OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM), safety meetings, and environmental initiatives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and ad‑hoc incident investigations when necessary.
• Drive pilot line reliability improvements and manage capital (CAPEX) projects at Brecksville and Avon Lake pilot plants.
• Continuously improve processes and capabilities using workflow enhancement, process automation (Emerson Delta
  
  V and OSIsoft PI), and statistical analysis (DOE).
• Organize and lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate outcomes, and document results.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
• 2–5 years of manufacturing operations experience, or participation in the Lubrizol Co‑Op program.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of chemical engineering principles with proven problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong project management skills utilizing stage‑gate systems and job aids.
• Hands‑on mechanical and chemical process engineering skills.
• Knowledge of chemical and polymer unit operations, including process and equipment design.
• Knowledge of experimental design (DOE) and data analysis using statistical techniques and software.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others at all levels and across multiple locations.
• Experience managing internal and external customer expectations.
• Knowledge and application of SAP enterprise software.
• Basic knowledge of thermoplastic polyurethane polymerization manufacturing and chemistry (preferred).

• Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus plans.
• 401(k) match and age‑weighted defined contribution.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Health Savings Account.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave.
• Flexible work environment.

Apply today and let’s shape the future together!

One of the founding principles of The Lubrizol Corporation more than 90 years ago was treating every employee with dignity and respect. That same commitment is only stronger today. We are committed to providing an environment where every employee can be the best they can be, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic.