Chemical Engineer

Job Title: Chemical EngineerJob DescriptionThe Chemical Engineer leads new product and process introductions, with a strong focus on scaling up new polymers and integrating new or revised chemical processes into a commercial manufacturing environment. This role works hands-on in both lab and production areas, collaborating closely with chemists, operations, maintenance, and other engineering teams to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality chemical manufacturing. The position centers on chemical process engineering, continuous improvement, and equipment optimization to support liquids, chemicals, polymers, acrylics, and polyurethanes production at commercial scale.

Responsibilities

• Complete new product and process introduction activities, including production scale-up of new polymers and the assimilation of new or revised processes into the manufacturing facility.
• Work directly with chemists, operations teams, and tolling customers on product design and tooling to ensure efficient and reliable production methods.
• Collaborate with engineering, management, and other staff to assess manufacturing capabilities, align production schedules, and address operational considerations to facilitate smooth production processes.
• Conduct process improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, cost efficiency, operability, and regulatory compliance, including debottlenecking constrained processes and introducing new equipment or technology.
• Evaluate customer needs and use this understanding to guide factory output and process adjustments to meet product specifications and performance expectations.
• Assess operator interaction with process and equipment to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, ease of operation, and consistency in production.
• Participate in product support activities by providing technical coverage for manufacturing operations and developing, updating, and maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Assist in designing and planning the layout of equipment and process areas, and oversee workers engaged in constructing, controlling, and improving equipment used to carry out chemical processes on a commercial scale.
• Support the design, procurement, and implementation of capital projects that enhance manufacturing capabilities and process performance.
• Foster a work environment where safety and environmental compliance are treated as top priorities in all engineering and operational decisions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues on the production floor, working closely with operations and maintenance to resolve problems and maintain stable, efficient production.
• Implement changes to manufacturing processes, equipment, and procedures in collaboration with R&D, chemists, engineers, maintenance staff, and operations personnel.
• Use relevant data and tools, such as ERP systems, CMMS, and reporting platforms, to monitor process performance and drive continuous improvement activities.
• Complete specific engineering projects and responsibilities assigned by leadership in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner.

Essential Skills

• Background in chemical engineering with hands-on experience in chemical process engineering and production scale-up.
• Experience working directly with engineers, maintenance staff, chemists, and operations personnel to transition formulas from development into full-scale production.
• Proven ability to adjust and optimize equipment settings, troubleshoot production issues, and ensure products are manufactured to the correct scale and specifications.
• Demonstrated capability in chemical manufacturing and manufacturing process improvement, including continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with chemical process engineering involving liquids, chemicals, polymers, acrylics, or polyurethanes.
• Practical knowledge of chemical reactions and their application in commercial-scale processes.
• Ability to work as a hands-on chemical engineer on the production floor rather than solely in an office environment.
• Skill in equipment troubleshooting and working with maintenance and operations teams to resolve mechanical and process-related problems.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and CMMS tools to support manufacturing operations and maintenance planning.
• Strong focus on safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory considerations in a chemical manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in chemical process engineering, particularly in scale-up from lab or pilot to commercial production.
• Exposure to chemical manufacturing in industries such as chemicals, polymers, food, or pharmaceuticals.
• Experience with products such as liquids, polymers, acrylics, or polyurethanes in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and their application in manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of Power BI or similar data and reporting tools for analyzing process performance and production metrics.
• Experience working with R&D teams and tolling customers to align product design and manufacturing capabilities.
• Comfort working in both laboratory and manufacturing settings, transitioning between experimental work and full-scale operations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments, including engineering, operations, maintenance, and chemistry teams.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a dynamic environment that spans both laboratory and manufacturing areas. The Chemical Engineer works closely with R&D teams, chemists, other engineers, maintenance staff, and all operations personnel to implement process changes, introduce new equipment, and support new manufacturing processes. The position is a first-shift, Monday through Friday role with a flexible start time, providing some adaptability in working hours. The work involves frequent presence on the production floor, interacting directly with operators and equipment, as well as time in the lab for process development and support. The environment emphasizes collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement, with regular use of manufacturing technologies, ERP systems, CMMS tools, and data platforms to monitor and enhance process performance. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Merton, WI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $135000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.This company offers health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and a 401k match. They have paid time off and paid holiday as well. They also offer an assortment of other benefits. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Merton, WI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Merton,WI.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.