Lead Chemical Process Engineer

Our client, a cutting-edge chemical manufacturing firm, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Chemical Process Engineer to join their team in Atlanta, Georgia, US . This on-site position requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles and a proven track record in process design, optimization, and scale-up. You will be responsible for leading process engineering projects from conception through to implementation, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability across all operations. Your expertise will be crucial in driving technological advancements and improving the performance of our client's chemical production processes.

Key responsibilities include designing and developing new chemical processes, as well as optimizing existing ones to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance environmental performance. You will conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up activities for new products and process modifications. This role involves creating process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications. You will perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software to predict process behavior and identify potential issues. Ensuring compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA) is paramount. You will lead root cause analysis for process deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions. Collaboration with R&D, production, maintenance, and project management teams to ensure seamless integration of process changes and new technologies will be essential. Mentoring junior engineers and providing technical guidance will also be a key aspect of this leadership role. Evaluating and recommending new technologies and equipment to enhance process capabilities and efficiency is expected. Developing and maintaining process documentation, including operating procedures and training materials, will be required.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; a Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is highly preferred. A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong focus on process design, optimization, and scale-up in a manufacturing environment, is required. Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and P&ID development is essential. Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and separation processes is mandatory. Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques (e.g., HAZOP) is required. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are necessary. Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, coupled with the capacity to manage complex projects effectively, will be critical. You must possess a strong commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.