Chemical Processing Engineer

Location: Fairfield

About the job Chemical Processing Engineer

About the Role:
The Chemical Processing Engineer, Liquids Production is responsible for leading and optimizing liquid and batch manufacturing operations within a fast-paced production facility. This role oversees process engineering, equipment reliability, preventative maintenance, capital improvement initiatives, and capacity expansion planning. The position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable production of formulated liquid products, including shampoos, conditioners, and specialty chemical blends.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on Chemical Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer who thrives in plant-floor environments and enjoys driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and optimize liquid batch processing equipment, minimizing downtime and improving overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead preventative maintenance programs and reliability initiatives to improve production uptime.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and quality risks within liquid production workflows.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Evaluate and recommend capital investments to support capacity expansion and automation.
• Manage plant-based projects including equipment upgrades, automation implementation, and new product introductions.
• Develop and improve production scheduling processes in coordination with ERP or MRP systems.
• Oversee facility infrastructure improvements related to liquids processing operations.
• Lead wash water reduction and recycling initiatives to improve sustainability and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and production teams.
• Manage vendors, contractors, and project budgets for capital improvement projects.
• Support benchmarking and operational alignment across multiple production sites.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, preferably within liquid, batch, or chemical processing environments.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, process optimization, and equipment reliability.
• Experience with preventative maintenance systems and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Familiarity with ERP or MRP systems for production planning and materials management.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work directly with plant equipment and operators.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in liquid formulation, personal care, chemical blending, or consumer product manufacturing.
• Knowledge of batch processing controls and automation systems.
• Experience managing capital expenditure projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Background in sustainability initiatives, water recycling, or waste reduction programs.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.