Lead Process Engineer, Specialty Chemicals

Our client, a dynamic chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer to join their innovative team. This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site engineering and remote strategic planning, based in **Washington, D.C., US**. You will be responsible for optimizing and scaling up chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and product quality. Key duties include designing, troubleshooting, and improving chemical reactors, separation units, and other process equipment. You will conduct process simulations, economic evaluations, and pilot plant studies to validate new technologies and process modifications. This role requires close collaboration with R&D, operations, and safety departments to ensure seamless integration of new processes and continuous improvement of existing ones. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, with a minimum of 8 years of experience in process design, development, and scale-up within the specialty chemicals industry. A strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and mass transfer is essential. Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and experience with process control systems are required. Excellent problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and strong project management abilities are critical for leading complex engineering projects. You will also be responsible for mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the development of technical standards and best practices. This is a challenging opportunity for a seasoned chemical engineer to drive innovation and operational excellence in a vital industry.