Position SummaryThe Senior Process Engineer, based in Akron Ohio, will support broader product and process development initiatives. This role bridges pilot-scale innovation and manufacturing readiness by working with multiple teams to scale new polymer and process technologies to production. This position will also directly support the design, commissioning, and operation of a new pilot-scale distillation process.
The successful candidate will be self motivated, collaborative, and capable of prioritizing work across multiple projects. They must be comfortable translating new chemistries into scaleable, reliable processes while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver both near-term execution and long-term capability. This position requires a strong plant presence, with an expectation of being onsite at least 4 days per week. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. A local candidate is preferred but relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
- Exemplify Bridgestone’s Safety First, Always mission statement and actively promote a safety minded work culture
- Collaborate with external engineering firms and internal partners to scope, design, and specify process equipment
- Support equipment installation, commissioning, and start up activities
- Develop and review process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and start-up plans
- Support the scale-up of new polymer chemistries and process technologies from laboratory towards commercial readiness
- Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies in a manufacturing environment
- Troubleshoot process challenges using engineering fundamentals and statistical analysis of available process data
- Identify and recommend continuous improvement opportunities
- Prepare and deliver clear project updates and technical presentations to leadership and senior management
- Work effectively with operations and production personnel, maintenance teams, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities
The Senior Process Engineer will leverage their expertise as part of Product Development, which plays a critical role in scaling and commercializing new polymer and process technologies at the Akron Polymer Engineering Pilot Center and in the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles Plant. This includes contribution to the design and implementation of new distillation infrastructure and the support of several global development teams.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
- A strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and equipment/infrastructure implementation
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and management across a wide range of technical backgrounds
- Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing and distillation, polymer chemistry, and polymer science
Candidates who excel in this role will:
- Proactively identify improvement opportunities that enhance safety, quality, and process capability
- Collaborate effectively across multiple functions by listening, engaging objectively, and working toward shared business goals related to quality, product performance, and value
- Thrive in an environment that blends pilot-scale innovation and real-world manufacturing scenarios
- Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, concise, and visual manner
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in chemical or polymer engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in production or process engineering within a chemical PSM plant or a refinery environment is preferred.
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant industry experience is required.
