Production Process Engineer; Utilities Focus

Production Process Engineer (Utilities Focus)

Location:

Wilmington, NC, US, 28401

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Production Process Engineer (Utilities Focus) to join our team at our Wilmington, NC manufacturing facility. In this role, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of site utility systems while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working in a manufacturing environment, solving real time operational challenges, and developing broad plant experience across utilities and production support.

• Support daily operation of site utilities including steam, condensate, water, compressed air, power distribution, and wastewater interfaces.
• Monitor utility performance and investigate deviations in reliability, efficiency, and availability.
• Assist with troubleshooting utility upsets and abnormal operating conditions alongside Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Support operating procedures, startups, shutdowns, and seasonal operating adjustments.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

• Analyze utility usage, downtime, material losses, and operating performance data.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Support development of standard work, operating limits, and visual management tools.
• Track and help close action items from audits, investigations, and improvement initiatives.

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience or relevant co‑op/internship experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
• Understanding of manufacturing KPIs and continuous improvement principles preferred.

• Experience with utility systems such as steam, boilers, cooling water, and compressed air.
• Knowledge of process safety, LOTO, permits, and PSM‑regulated environments.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
• Strong interest in plant operations and hands‑on field support.

Chemical Engineering Degree

• Utility systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
• Operational issues are identified quickly and resolved through structured problem‑solving.
• Strong partnerships are built with Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams.
• Continuous improvement opportunities are identified and implemented to improve site performance.

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Significant field presence supporting day‑to‑day plant operations.
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, heavy industrial equipment, and PPE requirements.
• Occasional off‑shift support during plant upsets, startups, and project activities may be required.

• Gain broad exposure to plant operations, utilities, and manufacturing systems.
• Work alongside experienced Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering professionals.
• Help drive improvements that directly impact safety, reliability, and operational performance.
• Build a strong foundation for future technical and leadership opportunities within chemical manufacturing.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional…