Job DescriptionWe are seeking a motivated and hands-on Utilities & Material Handling Operations Engineer to join our team at our Wilmington, NC manufacturing facility. In this role, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of site utility systems and material handling processes while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working in a manufacturing environment, solving real time operational challenges, and developing broad plant experience across utilities, logistics, and production support.
Utilities Operations Support:- Support daily operation of site utilities including steam, condensate, water, compressed air, power distribution, and wastewater interfaces.
- Monitor utility performance and investigate deviations in reliability, efficiency, and availability.
- Assist with troubleshooting utility upsets and abnormal operating conditions alongside Operations and Maintenance teams.
- Support operating procedures, startups, shutdowns, and seasonal operating adjustments.
- Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.
Material Handling & Logistics Support: Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence - Provide technical support for raw material receiving,internal transfers, bulk material handling, packaging, and shipping operations.
- Troubleshoot material flow issues, transfer inefficiencies, contamination risks, and equipment constraints.
- Support safe loading and unloading activities for trucks, railcars, totes, and bulk storage systems.
- Participate in investigations of material handling incidents, near misses, and losses.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:
- Analyze utility usage, downtime, material losses, and operating performance data.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action development.
- Support development of standard work, operating limits, and visual management tools.
- Track and help close action items from audits, investigations, and improvement initiatives.
Qualifications- 5+ years of manufacturing experience or relevant co-op/internship experience preferred.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
- Understanding of manufacturing KPIs and continuous improvement principles preferred.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with utility systems such as steam, boilers, cooling water, and compressed air.
- Experience with bulk solids or liquid material handling systems.
- Knowledge of process safety, LOTO, permits, and PSM-regulated environments.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
- Strong interest in plant operations and hands-on field support.
EducationChemical Engineering Degree
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What Success Looks Like: - Utility systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
- Material handling operations are executed with minimal losses and disruptions.
- Operational issues are identified quickly and resolved through structured problem-solving.
- Strong partnerships are built with Operations, Maintenance, and Production teams.
- Continuous improvement opportunities are identified and implemented to improve site performance.
Work Environment: - Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment.
- Significant field presence supporting day-to-day plant operations.
- Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, heavy industrial equipment, and PPE requirements.
- Occasional off-shift support during plant upsets, startups, and project activities may be required.
Apply today to join Stepan Company and help shape the future of our Wilmington site. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 
