SR. PROJECT ENGINEERThe Senior Project Engineer will play a key role in the development, construction, and start-up of Hydrite's new Laurens, SC greenfield facility, with the expectation of transitioning into a long-term engineering role supporting the site post-startup.
This position provides hands-on leadership through all phases of the Laurens expansion-from front-end engineering and detailed design through construction, commissioning, and start-up-while establishing the engineering, operational, and reliability foundation for the new facility. Following startup, the role will shift to ongoing capital project execution, continuous improvement, and plant engineering support.
The ideal candidate brings strong project execution capability, thrives in a greenfield environment, and demonstrates the ability to bridge project delivery with practical, day-to-day plant operations.
Primary responsibilities include:Greenfield Development & Start-Up (Primary Focus)- Lead and support execution of capital projects for the Laurens greenfield facility from design through start-up
- Partner with corporate engineering, construction teams, and contractors to ensure scope, schedule, and cost alignment
- Support development of site standards, engineering practices, and documentation (P&IDs, specs, procedures)
- Drive commissioning and start-up activities, including troubleshooting and performance validation
- Establish foundational systems for reliability, maintenance, and operational readiness
Transition to Ongoing Project Engineering- Manage and execute capital and improvement projects for the Laurens site post-startup
- Identify and implement process, safety, and reliability improvements
- Provide daily engineering support to operations, including troubleshooting and optimization
- Support MOC, PSM, and regulatory compliance initiatives
Additional primary responsibilities include:- Lead and support Hydrite's Safety Vision, Mission, and Values, promoting safety across all operations, including contractor work, to improve facility and company-wide safety performance.
- Provide engineering support to Corporate SQRA and Site EHS representatives to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and standards (OSHA Construction & General Industry, OSHA PSM, RMP, RCRA, DNR, EPA, Title V/PSD, OCPSF, Dept. of Commerce, NFPA, NEC).
- Lead engineering efforts to support Food Safety and SQF initiatives and projects.
- Coordinate and direct process hazard analysis, which includes PHA level selection and completion of the required checklists/templates and engineering MOC action items associated with the introduction of new products/processes. Basic data requirements include mass & energy balances/process kinetics, current equipment lists and drawings, process flow diagrams, relief vent sizing calculations, etc. per the OSHA PSM defined element.
- Support Sales and Marketing activities and provide technical assistance through interfaces with customers.
- Support daily production activities by monitoring process performance, trouble-shooting problems, and, as needed, implementing corrective actions.
- Uphold Hydrite's Standard of Excellence by maintaining quality facilities, products, and services for internal and external customers.
- Develop operating procedures, training materials, and technical guidance for new equipment and processes.
- Support maintenance of plant equipment as a technical resource.
- Facilitate effective communication across Hydrite departments to ensure branch team success and provide timely, concise, and accurate reports to plant and senior management, including weekly written status updates.
- Support construction management by coordinating with contractors and subcontractors, reviewing and interpreting construction drawings and specifications, monitoring construction progress and conducting site audits to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
REPORTING STRUCTURE- This position reports to the Corporate Engineering Manager.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE- A Bachelor's degree is required; preferably in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Prefer to have additional education in Project Management.
- Minimum eight years of Process-Engineering and/or Project Engineering experience in chemical-processing industry preferred.
- Minimum of five years of direct technical management experience (interfacing with contractors).
- Experience with greenfield projects, major expansions, or plant start-ups strongly preferred
- Site decommissioning experience (removal of equipment, demolition)
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word, and Excel required. Proficiency in AutoCAD and pipeline-sizing programs preferred.
- Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write, and speak English.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Ability to sit and/or stand up to 12 hours per day.
- Ability to climb ladders and stairways up to 40 feet in height on an occasional basis.
- Must have valid driver's license and own a personal vehicle
- Temporary relocation to Milwaukee, WI area for 6-12 months OR travel up to 75% for the first year for onboarding with corporate engineering group.
- Occasional 12-to-14-hour workdays may be required as a result of travel or project related activities.
- Occasional turning, twisting, stooping, bending, and reaching.
- Due to safety concerns, the wearing of contact lenses is prohibited.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITSBenefits and perks include 401k and profit sharing, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, legal services insurance, scholarship awards for children of employees, summer picnic, community giving events, free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach.
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Learn more about Hydrite on our website: www.hydrite.com/careers
