Sr Chemical Process Engineer

Job Title: Senior Chemical Process EngineerJob DescriptionThe Senior Chemical Process Engineer will lead and support process engineering projects from concept through construction for industrial clients in the chemical and related industries. You will develop process deliverables such as process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), process calculations, and equipment specifications, while collaborating with multi-discipline teams across multiple locations. This role combines hands-on technical design, field work, and client-facing responsibilities, offering opportunities to contribute to complex projects, mentor others, and apply sound engineering practices in a collaborative and accountable environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering studies and develop comprehensive technical reports that clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and design bases.
• Perform and review detailed engineering calculations to support process design, equipment sizing, and system performance evaluations.
• Develop, review, and update process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for new and existing processes.
• Prepare process equipment specifications, including selection criteria, performance requirements, and design conditions for procurement and installation.
• Provide engineering oversight and checking of process deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Coordinate closely with multi-discipline engineering and design teams, including mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil/structural disciplines, to complete project tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Assist in the creation of bid packages, including technical scopes of work, process specifications, and supporting documentation for contractors and vendors.
• Perform field work, such as site walks, data collection, equipment verification, and construction support, to validate designs and support project execution.
• Support and occasionally lead projects from inception through construction, including conceptual design, detailed design, and construction-phase engineering support.
• Collaborate with clients in a direct, client-facing capacity to understand process requirements, address technical questions, and provide clear, professional communication.
• Work with contractors and vendors to clarify process design requirements, review technical submittals, and support procurement and installation activities.
• Apply knowledge of building codes, chemical storage requirements, and applicable regulations to ensure safe and compliant process designs.
• Incorporate utility system equipment and distribution system requirements into process designs, coordinating with other disciplines as needed.
• Support projects involving industrial wastewater treatment, where applicable, by contributing to process design and evaluation.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning by sharing expertise, mentoring team members, and participating in internal training and development.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering that qualifies for licensure in the state of practice.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Chemical Engineering or active progress toward obtaining PE licensure.
• Minimum of 10 years of working experience in process engineering or closely related roles.
• Demonstrated experience developing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Proven ability to perform and review detailed process calculations and equipment sizing.
• Experience preparing process equipment specifications and supporting procurement activities.
• Ability to provide engineering oversight and checking of process deliverables for quality and compliance.
• Experience working in or with chemical plants, metals processing, food, beverage, consumer product plants, or other industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with building codes and chemical storage requirements relevant to industrial process facilities.
• Experience with utility system equipment and distribution systems in industrial environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a client-facing role and build strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors.
• Strong collaboration skills for coordinating with multi-discipline engineering and design teams.
• Proficiency in at least one chemical process simulation or hydraulic modeling tool such as ChemCAD, Pipe Flo, or AFT Fathom, or the ability to quickly learn these tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Ability to perform field work, including site visits and on-site engineering support, as part of project execution.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to chemical plants, metals processing, food, beverage, consumer product plants, or other related industrial settings.
• Experience with dust collection systems or participation in Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) activities.
• Product packaging process experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with chemical simulation programs such as ChemCAD.
• Experience using hydraulic or piping system analysis tools such as Pipe Flo or AFT Fathom.
• Experience with industrial wastewater treatment systems, including design, evaluation, or optimization.
• Familiarity with industrial utility systems, including steam, compressed air, chilled water, and other process utilities.
• Experience preparing bid packages and technical scopes of work for contractors and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects and support teams in different locations, including virtual collaboration.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, training, and mentoring within a collaborative engineering environment.

Work EnvironmentThe role operates within a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design work with periodic field assignments at industrial facilities. You will collaborate closely with multi-discipline teams using modern engineering tools and process simulation software such as ChemCAD, Pipe Flo, or AFT Fathom to develop process designs and deliverables. The position involves supporting local projects as well as providing virtual support to project teams in other locations, requiring effective communication and coordination across distributed teams. Field work may include site visits to chemical plants, metals processing facilities, food and beverage plants, consumer product plants, or other industrial settings to collect data, verify existing conditions, and support construction activities. Work hours typically follow standard business schedules, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and site visits. The environment emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning, offering structured training, exposure to diverse projects, and opportunities for professional growth. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Austin, TX. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/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.Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K, PTO & paid holidays. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Austin, TX. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.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.