Plant Engineer

Overview

Ashland Specialty Ingredients is seeking a Plant Process Engineer for the Aquarius Film Coatings business at our Wilmington, Delaware plant. The position reports directly to the Plant Manager and plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective manufacturing operations.

• Work with Plant and Quality Manager to establish annual goals and objectives for the site.
• Collaborate with Research and Development on new product introductions.
• Develop new blending procedures to support new ingredients and formulations.
• Generate and issue batch manufacturing instructions; conduct color matching to meet specified standards.
• Apply statistical methods for color matching and process optimization to improve quality and yields.
• Identify and implement projects to achieve cost savings and address long‑term operational safety and quality issues.
• Investigate customer complaints, working with operations, quality, and R&D to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support Allen‑Bradley PLC system maintenance.
• Assist with internal and external GMP audits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient site functioning.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Engineering, Pharmaceutical, or a related discipline.
• One to five years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience with cGMP manufacturing, including ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, IPEC, or FDA Quality Management Systems.
• Ability to respond appropriately during site emergencies as directed by the Site Emergency Manager.

• Experience with color matching.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with manufacturing, quality control, and leadership teams.
• Ability to identify critical issues, formulate action plans with all management levels, and foster a positive work environment.
• Proven capability to identify quality improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
• Physical ability to walk, climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, lift up to 25 lbs., and reach as required by the role.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.

Requires walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 25 lbs., and reaching, with frequent trips between office and plant areas.

May require international travel.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.