The role of the site Chemical Engineer is to support and optimize the manufacturing processes used to produce electrical safety products, including insulating gloves and sleeves. This role is responsible for translating material formulations into stable, scalable, and efficient production processes, ensuring consistent product quality and compliance with safety standards.
This role will work closely with chemists and manufacturing engineers and serve as the technical bridge between formulation and production, with a strong focus on process engineering, equipment performance, and continuous improvement.
This is an onsite position in North Charleston, SC.*Relocation assistance is available for qualifying candidates.*JOB RESPONSIBILITIESProcess Engineering & Optimization- Own and optimize core processing operations involving elastomers, including mixing and compounding, dipping and curing.
- Establish and maintain critical process parameters (temperature profiles, cycle times, viscosity control, cure conditions)
- Monitor process capability and drive improvements in yield, throughput, and cost efficiency
Scale-Up & Process Transfer- Partner with Polymer Chemists to transition formulations from lab to production
- Define process windows and operating envelopes for new materials
- Lead plant trials, validation runs, and process qualification activities
- Ensure repeatability and robustness of new product introductions
Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting- Investigate and resolve process-related issues (e.g., defects, variability, scrap)
- Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, 5-Why)
- Support production teams in real-time troubleshooting and process adjustments
Quality, Safety & Compliance- Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of chemical safety standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with site operations.
- Ensure processes consistently meet product specifications and applicable standards (ASTM/IEC for electrical PPE)
- Support internal and external audits related to manufacturing processes
- Collaborate with Quality to analyze trends and drive defect reduction
Continuous Improvement- Lead and or support initiatives to improve process efficiency, cycle time and yield
- Lead root cause analysis and resolve complex, non-routine process and quality issues to ensure stable, efficient operations.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive measurable improvements
REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in chemical or elastomer manufacturing environments
- Strong experience with process engineering in a production setting, scale-up and process validation.
- Prior experience in elastomers or rubber processing (e.g., NR, butyl, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer))
- Working knowledge of:
- Heat transfer, mass transfer, and reaction kinetics as applied to manufacturing
- Continuous and/or batch processing systems
Preferred- Familiarity with dipping or coating processes
- Exposure to vulcanization (sulfur/peroxide curing systems)
- Experience with ASTM/IEC standards related to electrical insulation products
- Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
