The Dow Chemical Company

Operations Performance Engineer

The Dow Chemical Company • $80K — $95K *
Knoxville, TN 37918In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering by January 2027, preferably in chemical or mechanical engineering; relevant military experience will be considered
  • Previous experience in a chemical production facility preferred
  • Experience in coatings preferred
  • Legal eligibility to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship
  • Willingness to meet physical demands of the job.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the operations team to optimize processes
  • Apply historical data and knowledge to enhance production
  • Ensure effective use of technology for plant optimization
  • Challenge assumptions about processes for better solutions
  • Lead troubleshooting and improve operational practices
  • Diagnose root causes of asset utilization losses
  • Maintain strong presence on-site to reinforce safety and compliance practices

Benefits

  • Equitable and competitive base pay with bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits for physical, mental, financial, and social well-being
  • Competitive retirement program with savings and financial resources
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Flexible workplace culture to promote work-life balance
  • Paid time off for various family care and volunteering initiatives
  • Access to wellness resources and on-site fitness facilities
Full Job Description
About You and this Role

Dow's Emulsions/Polymers production facility in Knoxville, TN has an opening for an Operations Performance Engineer.

In this role, you will play a key part in helping the plant deliver maximum value through Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) excellence, operational reliability, efficiency, and low cost to produce. As a member of a smaller manufacturing site, you will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of technical and operational areas, gaining exposure beyond what is typically available in larger facilities. This unique role offers significant opportunities to develop both technical and leadership capabilities while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, EH&S, and other functions to optimize plant performance, resolve complex challenges, and enable the safe, reliable, and efficient production of quality products.

Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the operations team leveraging their problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
  • Elevate and appropriately apply knowledge of the plant and technology referencing historical data and conferring with Technology Center or other subject matter experts (SMEs).
  • Ensure Most Effective Technology (MET) is understood and utilized, and that process automation is used as a tool to optimize plant performance.
  • Utilize defined MET and challenge/escalate MET application and assumptions when better solutions arise.
  • Partner with experts to perform advanced troubleshooting and improve and document operating discipline.
  • Diagnose and document root causes of asset utilization losses in the facility.
  • Understand why specific procedure steps and precautions are needed and keeps a strong field presence to reinforce the importance.
  • Conduct daily review of logbook and alarm history to better understand the plant operation and stay engaged with daily activities.
  • Maintain, own, and review daily Key Process Indicators (KPI)/ trends to ensure optimum performance.
  • Respond urgently to plant issues and emergencies.
  • Act as a unit technical expert during unplanned events and drive implementation of effective corrective and preventative actions.
  • Provide leadership, expertise, diagnosis, and optimization in plant Raw Material Efficiency, which may include yield or waste generation.
  • Ensure compliance with plant operating permits. Understand site integration and provide input to optimize the overall system.
  • Provides support with on-call rotation.


Qualifications
  • Must have obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering by January 2027. Chemical or mechanical engineering discipline is preferred. In lieu of a degree, relevant military experience at or above a U.S. E5 or Canadian Petty Officer 2nd Class or Sergeant ranking will be considered.
  • Previous experience in a chemical production facility is preferred.
  • Previous experience in coatings is preferred.
  • A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.


Willing and able to meet physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
  • Wear and use respirators.
  • Perform frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
  • Work in tight or closed-in spaces.
  • Climb stairs/ladders and work high off the ground.
  • Stand or walk for extended periods of time.
  • Lift a maximum of 50 lbs.
  • This role does involve elevated work greater than or equal to four feet above the ground. Must be able to wear and use personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses with a total weight capacity of 300lbs.


Your Skills
  • Process Optimization: The candidate should have a strong understanding of process optimization techniques to enhance plant performance and efficiency.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong technical and interpersonal skills along with a high level of initiative are required to be successful in this role.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively is important for maintaining smooth plant operations.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Must be able to work with multiple functions and diverse workgroups, especially important to be able to work with shift and technical operations teams.


Additional Notes
  • Work during off-hours and weekends are sometimes required during plant turnarounds or upsets.
  • This position does not offer relocation assistance.


Benefits - What Dow offers you

We invest in you.

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career. You bring your background, talent, and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee:
  • Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives.
  • Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental, financial, and social well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it.
  • Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning, and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals.
    • Employee stock purchase programs (availability varies depending on location).
  • Student Debt Retirement Savings Match Program (U.S. only).
    • Dow will take the value of monthly student debt payments and apply them as if they are contributions to the Employees' Savings Plan (401(k)), helping employees reach the Company match.
  • Robust medical and life insurance packages that offer a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Travel insurance is also available in certain countries/locations.
  • Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building.
  • Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs.
  • Competitive yearly vacation allowance.
  • Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).
  • Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group's (ERG) participation.
  • Wellbeing Portal for all Dow employees, our one-stop shop to promote wellbeing, empowering employees to take ownership of their entire wellbeing journey.
  • On-site fitness facilities to help stay healthy and active (availability varies depending on location).
  • Employee discounts for online shopping, cinema tickets, gym memberships and more.
  • Additionally, some of our locations might offer:
    • Transportation allowance (availability varies depending on location)
    • Meal subsidiaries/vouchers (availability varies depending on location)
    • Carbon-neutral transportation incentives e.g. bike to work (availability varies depending on location)


Join our team, we can make a difference together.

About The Dow Chemical Company

Through partnerships and collaboration, their solutions help extend the shelf life of food, bring color to buildings, and pave safer roads. Read on to learn how.

The Dow Chemical Company Careers

Join the vibrant team at The Dow Chemical Company, a leader in science and technology, where your career can flourish in an environment rich with opportunity and innovation. As part of our global workforce, you will contribute to solutions that shape the future of the planet in significant ways.

Work You’ll Do

At The Dow Chemical Company, you will engage in work that matters. From developing sustainable materials to pioneering new technologies, your role will help transform industries and improve everyday life around the world. Our commitment to leadership in sustainability means that when you work here, your impact extends far beyond the office.

Innovate and Lead

Become part of a team where innovation and leadership go hand in hand. The Dow Chemical Company fosters a culture of innovation where you can bring your ideas to life. With a diverse and inclusive workplace, we combine different perspectives to drive cutting-edge solutions. Our leadership is committed to supporting your growth through professional development and diversity training.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance, The Dow Chemical Company offers a range of job opportunities and career paths in various fields. From internships that provide real-world experience to full-time positions that challenge and expand your skills, there's a place for you here. Our commitment to professional growth ensures that your career journey is always moving forward.

Join Our Team

Explore job opportunities at The Dow Chemical Company and become part of a team known for its exceptional culture, commitment to employee benefits, and a dynamic work environment. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead industries towards a sustainable future.

Networking and Professional Development

At The Dow Chemical Company, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with leaders and peers through our various networking events, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects. Enhance your skills, build your resume, and prepare for future leadership roles within the company.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an internship at The Dow Chemical Company. Our internships offer hands-on experience in real projects that contribute to our mission of innovation. You’ll gain invaluable insights, enhance your skills, and be part of a team that values your fresh ideas and energy.

Benefits and Culture

We pride ourselves on offering competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. At The Dow Chemical Company, you’ll find a culture that values respect, integrity, and collaboration. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Stay Connected

Join our community to stay up-to-date with the latest in career opportunities, company news, and industry insights. Follow us on our careers page and social media to learn more about life at The Dow Chemical Company and how you can make a difference.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, driven, and innovative team players. Explore our job listings and find the perfect position that aligns with your career goals at The Dow Chemical Company.

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Learn more about The Dow Chemical Company
Size
35,700 employees
Market Cap
$35.5 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$1.2 billion
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$38.5 billion
NASDAQ
DOW
* Ladders Estimates

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