Senior Process Engineer - Precursor Manufacturing

Inpria is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Process Engineer - Precursor Manufacturing to oversee the startup and ongoing operation of a medium- to large-scale synthetic organometallic production system. This role will be instrumental in bringing a fully automated (HMI/PLC-controlled) manufacturing process online and ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable production. This role will report to the HVM Materials manager and will provide direct leadership to manufacturing personnel responsible for execution of precursor production campaigns.

The Senior Process Engineer - Precursor Manufacturing will oversee day-to-day production activities, own manufacturing scale-up and production execution, and provide technical leadership to their production team. This role will also play a key part in establishing and maintaining robust quality and data systems, including KPI tracking, statistical process control, and the implementation of MES and LIMS platforms in close collaboration with Inpria's Quality and Engineering teams.

Primary Responsibilities

* Own the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of 100-L+ organometallic precursor manufacturing systems and supporting unit operations.

* Support execution of production campaigns and coordinate daily manufacturing activities to meet production schedules, safety, quality, and throughput objectives.

* Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to establish preventive maintenance programs and maximize equipment availability and reliability.

* Lead operational readiness, commissioning support, startup, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems.

* Ensure safe handling and processing of air-sensitive and pyrophoric materials at scale.

* Monitor process performance and drive continuous improvement in yield, quality, and throughput.

* Develop, track, and report KPIs including safety performance, yield, throughput, equipment uptime, schedule attainment, and product quality.

* Utilize statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor process stability and capability with the Quality team

* Partner closely with the Quality team to establish and refine quality management systems, including specifications, control plans, and deviation investigations

* Analyze process and quality data to identify trends, variability, and opportunities for improvement.

* Support the implementation and integration of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) aligned with HMI/PLC-controlled operations to enable real-time production tracking, data capture, and workflow management.

* Collaborate in the deployment and ramp-up of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to support analytical data management, traceability, and quality workflows.

* Ensure alignment and data integrity between process control systems (HMI/PLC), MES, and LIMS.

* Support root cause investigations for process deviations, yield losses, and equipment-related production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.

* Lead, train, mentor, and develop manufacturing personnel, including support for hiring, onboarding, qualification, and performance development

* Collaborate with engineering, R&D, EHS, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure smooth operation and scale-up success.

* Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and process documentation.

* Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

* Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.

* 6-9 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, process operations, or process scale-up

* Demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing operations and process scale-up activities.

* Demonstrated success scaling chemical processes from pilot to manufacturing scale.

* Strong hands-on experience with air-free organometallic synthesis.

* Experience handling pyrophoric and highly reactive materials at scale.

* Familiarity with large-scale production equipment and unit operations.

* Experience operating, troubleshooting, or supporting automated manufacturing systems (HMI/PLC-controlled) in a production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience leading or supervising manufacturing personnel.

* Prior involvement in commissioning or startup of new chemical processes or facilities.

* Experience with SPC tools, data analysis, and process capability metrics (Cp/Cpk).

* Exposure to or experience implementing MES and/or LIMS systems in a manufacturing or lab environment.

* Knowledge of process control strategies and industrial automation systems.

* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced production environment.

* Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without the need for employer sponsorship.

* Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to wear a respirator (upon training/certification) and standard PPE as required.

*…