Senior Chemical Engineer

Hydranautics is a part of the Nitto Group of companies and a global leader in the field of integrated membrane solutions which includes reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for water, wastewater and process treatment and applications. Currently used on seven continents throughout the world for diverse applications such as seawater desalination, industrial high-purity water, surface water treatment, wastewater treatment and specialty process applications.

Here at Hydranautics, we believe that diversity is key to our competitive advantage. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, domestic partner status or medical condition. We are proud to be a Drug-free, E-Verify and EEO employer.

We are proud to offer a generous compensation and robust benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance plans, F.S.A. and H.S.A plans, Retirement plans (401k and ROTH), (12) Paid company holidays, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement and career development, Employee Assistance Plan, Pet Insurance and more.

Hydranautics is a part of the Nitto Group of companies and one of the global leaders in the field of integrated membrane solutions. We offer complete membrane solutions like reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration for water, waste water and process treatment and applications.

Hydranautics membrane-based solutions are currently in use on seven continents throughout the world for diverse applications such as seawater desalination, industrial high-purity water, surface water treatment, waste water treatment and specialty process applications.

Summary of Duties

Under general supervision, optimize manufacturing techniques and processes related to design improvements and productivity of existing products. Work with key customers and departments throughout the organization and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on their products. Initiate, develop, and manage manufacturing process improvement projects and communicate effectively to senior management. Collaborate with other groups within the company to conduct design change activities with quality as a priority. Contribute to and maintain a database of product drawings and characteristics.

Essential Duties and/or Responsibilities:

• 4 M change skill is needed. Serve as project leader to evaluate performance, create prototypes, and make changes to documentation necessary to improve the design of existing products, and conduct design reviews to ensure that the design changes are appropriate.
• Learn and utilize parametric modeling software such as SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor for drawing editing.
• Reduce design change time using Design of Experiments and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Initiate new project programs, create project timelines, and monitor project progress.
• Solve complex product problems with quality as a priority.
• Ensure that equipment, processes, practices, and work environments comply with regulatory and corporate safety guidelines.
• Devise a test and analysis unit to evaluate and document the performance of standard products for quality assurance; ensure compliance with ISO 9001 guidelines and accuracy of all technical work.
• Provide technical support to internal departments, senior staff technical staff, and customers. Prepare and deliver technical presentations to external customers in support of commercial programs.
• Work with Japanese R&D members and manufacturing staff to incorporate feedback from field experience into product improvements.
• Organize, present, and report technical information.
• Contribute to the database of product drawings, characteristics, and manufacturing techniques.
• Travel with other staff as needed to meet with vendors and evaluate product performance.
• Other duties as directed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering; and 6 years' experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Water industry experience, a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES:

• Advanced working knowledge of water chemistry concepts, fluid flow and water pressure as well as analytical method and technical writing; above average understanding of Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration processes and products.
• Exceptional application of critical thinking skills along with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, flexibility in responding to rapidly changing, dynamic processes and demands/pressures in a fast-paced environment using project management software.
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental designs skills using software for stress analysis calculations in the Design of Experiment practices.
• Working knowledge in drafting and defending patents.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate across functional organizational groups, provide high-level customer service through effective interpersonal skills and conflict resolution. Write clear and concise reports to communicate with senior management, external customers, and suppliers.
• Read, analyze, and interpret general business publications, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on with hand tools and machine shop equipment and practices.
• Exceptional Microsoft Office Suite software applications such as Excel, Word, Power Point, Microsoft Project, Autodesk, and JD Edwards. Create, read, and interpret 2D and 3D CAD Drawings and conduct thorough Internet searches.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in various forms (e.g., written, diagram or oral). Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual in languages spoken by Nitto Group companies' customers and/or employees, a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and/or WORK ENVIRONMENT: (Typical physical demands and the work environment characteristics an employee must meet and encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. This position involves frequent sitting at a desk (up to 6 hours/day) using software applications for product design and using the computer for other applications.

2. Ability to stand and walk occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) to conduct work on the production floor or at a customer site.

3. Ability to frequently lift and carry items (such as product prototypes and tools) up to 50 pounds.

4. Ability to occasionally lift and carry items overhead up to 35 pounds.

5. Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hours) bend and twist at the waist while moving items.

6. Ability to squat, kneel, crawl, and climb step ladders occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) to turn valves on equipment.

7. Ability to reach with hands and arms occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) while moving elements.

8. Ability to finger, grasp, and feel objects (such as tools) occasionally (up to 3 hours/day).

9. Ability to occasionally push/pull carts with modules or elements (up to 3 hours/day).

10. May work outside occasionally (up to 3 hours/day) when visiting pilot sites.

11. May be exposed occasionally (up 3 hours/day) to temperatures greater than 95°F when working outside on pilot sites or loading elements/modules in drying ovens.

12. May be exposed to crawl spaces/cramped positions (
13. Gross hand manipulation of light to moderate strength is required to handle elements or modules.

14. Fine hand manipulation of light-moderate strength is required for using hand tools.

15. Requires close (clear vision at 20 inches or less), vision for inspecting elements or modules and distance (clear vision at 20 feet or more) vision.

16. May be exposed to noise levels greater than 85 decibels occasionally (up to 3 hours) while working at a pilot site and wearing hearing protection.

17. Must be able to speak/hear verbal communications and respond to machine alarms/buzzers.

18. Must be able to wear safety shoes in required areas.

19. Ability to occasionally drive a company vehicle to travel to pilot sites or visit suppliers.

20. Must possess a valid driver's license and remain qualified as a Driver under the Hydranautics Driver Policy.

21. Must be able to work extended hours per the demands of the business.