Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Our client, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join their innovative R&D and manufacturing operations in **Chicago, Illinois, US**. This on-site role is crucial for optimizing existing chemical processes and developing new ones to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting chemical processes, conducting pilot plant studies, scaling up processes from lab to commercial production, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics. A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is required, along with substantial industry experience in process design, optimization, and scale-up. Proven expertise in simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS), statistical process control, and HAZOP studies is essential. You will collaborate closely with R&D chemists, manufacturing teams, and project managers to bring new chemical products and processes to fruition. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills are vital. You should be adept at analyzing complex process data, identifying areas for improvement, and developing innovative solutions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for effectively conveying technical information to diverse teams and stakeholders. We are looking for a dedicated and forward-thinking engineer passionate about advancing chemical manufacturing technologies and ensuring operational excellence.

Responsibilities: Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, to identify and mitigate risks. Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production. Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and yield. Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions to resolve operational issues. Collaborate with R&D scientists to transition new products and technologies into manufacturing. Prepare detailed process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operating procedures. Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) for design and optimization. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards. Provide technical support and guidance to manufacturing personnel. Qualifications: Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Minimum of 8 years of experience in chemical process engineering within the chemical manufacturing industry. Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of chemical engineering principles, unit operations, and reaction engineering. Proficiency with chemical process simulation and design software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, ChemCAD). Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis techniques. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Strong project management capabilities and experience leading process improvement initiatives. Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly. Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools is a plus. Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable. This is an on-site position located in **Chicago, Illinois, US**.