Role Impact The Engineering Leader is responsible for the engineering function at the Fayetteville site, covering safety, environmental compliance, quality, productivity, and cost across the Formaldehyde, Resin, Wax, and Hexamine processes. This role leads process optimization, capital project development and execution, incident investigation, technical troubleshooting, and site training, and serves as the site Management of Change coordinator.
The Engineering Leader directs the work of Professional Development Program engineers and additional plant engineers, setting technical direction and building engineering capability at the site. This position converts plant performance data, process knowledge, and operating experience into improvements that raise capacity, reduce cost, and strengthen process safety and mechanical integrity.
The Engineering Leader reports to the Site Leader as a member of the Site Leadership team, works in a peer relationship with the Production, Maintenance, EHS, Shipping, and Quality leaders, and carries a dotted-line reporting relationship to the North America Production Engineering Leader.
What You Will Do Process Optimization, Productivity, and Cost - Own production optimization of the Formaldehyde, Resin, Wax, and Hexamine processes at the site.
- Lead process design and formulation changes that improve safety, environmental compliance, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Assist in developing the site operating and capital budgets.
- Execute plant approvals for new recipes in SAP in the absence of the Production Leader.
- Support Production troubleshooting efforts, including data gathering, trending, and root cause analysis.
- Lead or support capacity creation and effective efficiency initiatives across the site.
Capital Projects and Engineering Execution - Identify, develop, and implement capital projects that improve safety, environmental compliance, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Define project scope, cost estimates, schedules, and technical specifications for site engineering work.
- Coordinate engineering, contractor, and vendor resources through project design, installation, commissioning, and startup.
- Develop computer-based tools and reporting that improve efficiency and decision making at the site.
- Ensure project documentation, drawings, and equipment records are complete and turned over to Operations and Maintenance.
- Verify that completed projects deliver the expected performance, cost, and reliability results.
Management of Change and Process Safety - Serve as the site Management of Change coordinator, ensuring changes are reviewed, approved, and documented before implementation.
- Ensure OSHA Process Safety Management standards are practiced throughout the site.
- Lead or participate in Process Hazard Analysis reviews and drive closure of resulting action items.
- Ensure PFDs, P&IDs, and operating procedures remain current and accurate.
- Support mechanical integrity requirements for process equipment, instrumentation, and relief systems.
- Participate in process safety incident investigations and implement solutions that prevent recurrence.
Safety and Environmental Compliance - Ensure safe work practices specified in the Hexion Safety Manual are followed by employees and contractors.
- Actively participate on the site safety committee and drive ownership of the safety program throughout the site.
- Help ensure environmental policies, permits, and practices are followed at the site.
- Assist in the development and implementation of environmental programs required by applicable regulations.
- Recommend waste reduction methods and formula changes that reduce process waste.
- Support data tracking and trending for permit compliance and regulatory reporting.
Quality and Continuous Improvement - Participate in process and EHS incident investigations and provide solutions that prevent recurrence.
- Lead and participate in Green Belt Six Sigma teams to improve quality and productivity.
- Apply structured problem solving techniques, analytical tools, and teamwork to improve product quality.
- Present key performance indicators to site leadership and translate results into improvement actions.
- Participate in departmental continuous improvement team meetings and site improvement initiatives.
- Encourage a continuous improvement mindset in production, maintenance, and technical staff.
Leadership and Team Development - Direct the work of Professional Development Program engineers and additional plant engineers.
- Participate in recruiting and interviewing to keep the engineering and technical organization staffed effectively.
- Deliver and support safety, environmental, and technical training for the site.
- Recognize strong performance, provide corrective feedback, and support the employee appraisal process.
- Assist in developing performance guidelines and expectations for the engineering team.
- Participate in 360 feedback and leadership development activities.
What You Bring Required Qualifications - B.S. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum of two years of experience in plant engineering or related duties in the chemical process or a similar industry.
- Working knowledge of process optimization, troubleshooting, and capital project execution in a manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of OSHA Process Safety Management requirements, including Management of Change.
- Ability to read and interpret PFDs, P&IDs, equipment documentation, procedures, and technical specifications.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple technical priorities and projects.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with site teams and cross-functional groups.
- Mechanical aptitude and demonstrated analytical problem solving ability.
- Ability to enter confined spaces and wear a respirator, and to perform physical tasks including climbing, standing, and lifting up to 55 pounds repeatedly.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience leading or developing engineers in a plant or site engineering organization.
- Experience with formaldehyde, resin, wax, or hexamine process technology.
- Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations applicable to chemical manufacturing.
- Expertise with MS Office and process control or process data historian applications.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent structured problem solving credential.
- Experience leading Process Hazard Analysis reviews and closing resulting recommendations.
- Experience developing operating and capital budgets.
- Experience leading capacity creation, debottlenecking, or efficiency improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with mechanical integrity programs and site environmental permit compliance.
