Process Engineer

Company Overview

Firestone Polymers, LLC is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world‑class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene‑butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives.

Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Engineering & Science

The Process Engineer supports product development scale up by working across multiple unit operations, including distillation, reaction, flash, and drying processes. The ideal candidate has a background in Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering and strong understanding of polymerization processes, from new polymer discovery through full scale manufacturing implementation. The Process Engineering Group drives long‑term process improvements at the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles plant.

The responsibilities include discovering and implementing new technologies, solving complex process challenges, contributing to conceptual design for capital projects, and supporting Operations and Technical Service engineers.

• Exemplify Bridgestone’s Safety First, Always mission and promote a safety‑minded work culture
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects
• Identify and implement process control improvements
• Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies
• Collaborate closely with the Akron‑based Product Development Group and scale‑up new chemistries and processes
• Solve process problems, debottleneck, and optimize plant performance through statistical analysis and hands‑on interaction with plant personnel
• Prepare and deliver project updates and presentations to plant leadership and Bridgestone Americas senior management
• Work effectively with operations, production, maintenance, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities
• Scope projects and support the capital project team through conceptual design, pre‑engineering, and construction of new equipment
• Supervise start‑up and commissioning of new equipment
• Develop and revise operating procedures as required

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
• Proven problem‑solving abilities and solid foundation in process engineering principles, including unit operations, process simulation, project scoping and design, process and distributive control systems (DCS and/or PLC), quality control/assurance, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency with computers, statistical analysis, and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with colleagues and management across technical backgrounds
• Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
• Experience with process measurement, control, and optimization
• Degree in Chemical, Polymer, or Petroleum Engineering or related discipline

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into the team
• Opportunities for development and growth through training and regular mentorship
• Corporate social responsibility activities
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and long‑term well‑being
• A diverse and inclusive team

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, polymer, or petroleum engineering or a closely related discipline
• Production or process engineering experience within a chemical plant or refinery environment is preferred
• Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant industry experience

All candidates must complete Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.