Senior Production Engineer - Kankakee, IL

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet. Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future.

Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. The Dow Chemical Company has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Senior Production Engineer in the Dow Coating Materials (DCM) business located in Kankakee, Illinois – a great community just 60 miles from downtown Chicago.

The Senior Production Engineer serves as a vital resource for Operations by applying technical skills to optimize plant operations, resolve plant problems, and enable safe and efficient production of low cost, quality products. The role provides a technical resource to assist all work teams on daily operations, process performance improvement and new product scale‑up. Dow Coating Materials is the most innovative coatings raw material supplier in the world.

We drive fundamental shifts in the coatings industry, moving the market as the expert’s expert in coatings solutions. Through our mission of collaboration, inspiration, innovation and growth, we provide material products, science, technology, and manufacturing solutions to the architectural and industrial coatings industry worldwide. Dow Coating Materials operates 35 manufacturing plants worldwide and 10 dedicated R&D facilities across all major geographic markets where Dow does business.

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Works closely with the operations team leveraging their problem‑solving skills and technical expertise. Elevates and appropriately applies knowledge of the plant and technology referencing historical data and conferring with Technology Center or other subject matter experts (SMEs). Ensures Most Effective Technology (MET) is understood and utilized and that process automation is used as a tool to optimize plant performance. Utilizes defined MET and challenges/escalates MET application and assumptions when better solutions arise.

Partners with experts to perform advanced troubleshooting and improve and document operating discipline. Diagnoses and documents root causes of asset utilization losses in the facility. Understands why specific procedure steps and precautions are needed and keeps a strong field presence to reinforce the importance. Conducts daily review of logbook and alarm history to better understand the plant operation and stay engaged with daily activities.

Maintains, owns, and reviews daily Key Process Indicators (KPI)/ trends to ensure optimum performance. Responds urgently to plant issues and emergencies. Acts as a unit technical expert during unplanned events and drives implementation of effective corrective and preventative actions. Provides leadership, expertise, diagnosis, and optimization in plant Raw Material Efficiency, which may include yield or waste generation. Ensures compliance with plant operating permits.

Understands site integration and provides input to optimize the overall system.

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering 3+ years of relevant experience in chemical manufacturing or closely related experience A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Chemical Engineering degree Prior coatings manufacturing experience

Willing and able to meet physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:
Ability to safely work in a plant environment, meet physical demands, work at elevated heights, and comfortably use…