Chemical Process Engineer

WHO WE ARE

At Seaman Corporation, we are dedicated to creating and supplying quality, high-performance fabrics that protect our planet, our people, and our customers. From humble beginnings in 1949 to a multi-million-dollar organization, this family-owned business has grown to be a leading manufacturer in highly durable coated fabrics, supplying products to customers around the globe.

Every Seaman Corporation associate plays a valuable role in our company’s continuous growth. We believe by investing in the right people and resources, we can drive sustainable growth across the entire business.

Seaman Corporation products are composed of proprietary knitted or woven base fabrics and coating formulas to produce high performance roofing systems, geomembrane liners, truck tarps, architectural structures, and much more. We work exclusively with authorized fabricators, designers, consultants, engineers, and installers for quality solutions start to finish.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Company performance bonus in addition to base salary
• Professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement, course training, and networking
• A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (PTO), volunteer time off (VTO), and paid holidays
• Fun and engaging activities including department outings, holiday parties, and our annual company-wide dinner

Seaman Corporation is seeking a Chemical Process Engineer to join our Wooster Engineering team! This position will report to the Process Engineering Manager in Wooster.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chemical Process Engineer plans, directs, and coordinates activities of manufacturing to support process improvement, I&T project production activities and MDI (managing for daily improvement). The role has primary responsibility to support continuous operations of manufacturing processes, standard work and identify and implement solutions which provide improved safety, quality, delivery, and cost to meet operational objectives.  This position reports to the Process Engineering Manager to ensure alignment of engineering activities across the enterprise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Support safety programs and initiatives to ensure safe work environment and promote safe practices in alignment with company policies and procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and expertise for process and quality teams in troubleshooting process, equipment and/or product quality, to achieve objectives.
• Monitor assigned operations to assure compliance with approved methods and standards.
• Write specifications and monitor and assist with shop floor documentation and other related technical activities.
• Create, update, and maintain Standard Work Procedures and Process Specifications for production lines.
• Equipment Analysis - Analyze equipment and process conditions to ensure optimum utilization of machines and equipment in the production of quality industrial fabrics.
• Project Management – Develop and coordinate smaller project plans, review vendor proposals, manage project team activities, communicate changes, provide progress updates, and complete projects on time and within budget.  Provide support to Engineering on large capital project plans.
• Actively support Lean Sigma and Continuous Process Improvement. 
• Provide support to leadership to address exceptions with safety, quality, delivery, and cost. site
• Provide support to Quality Control, Product Development, and Customer Service on quality issues, source inspections and NSF audits.
• Support Engineering in review of proposals of outside vendors regarding purchase of new equipment or modernization of existing production and processing equipment.
• Develop opportunities to reduce scrap/waste and find outlets that will purchase scrap/waste.
• Provide off-shift coverage on low yield products and R&D trials as needed.
• Provide support for plant management during Plant Manager’s absence.
• Provides daily technical support to Manufacturing to achieve and maintain the highest product quality standards with the most effective mix of raw materials.
• Coordinates objectives and works closely with Technical Group to maximize product reliability and minimize costs by investigating the use of new and alternative raw materials.
• Analyzes compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships and reactions using chromatography, spectroscopy and spectrophotometry techniques.
• Recommends potential improvements or changes to methods or operations as appropriate. Works to increase efficiency in plant processes while reducing waste where possible.
• Conducts root cause investigations and analysis for off specification results; working with Manufacturing and Technical Group to implement corrective actions. Prepares well documented reports of results.
• Works with Technical Group and I & T (Innovation and Technology) to provide smooth transition from lab work to production trials then to commercialization of new products and processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Engineering with a minimum of 2-5 years related manufacturing experience or a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Chemistry with a minimum of 2-5 years related PVC experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefer Lean Manufacturing
• Web handling experience is a plus.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should be aligned with our company values and demonstrate the following competencies:

Do What’s Right

• Safety: Safety is our priority and everyone’s responsibility. If you see something unsafe, you are called to say something.
• Customer Focus: We are in business for the customer. Our (internal and external) customers deserve our focus and we can create solutions that solve their needs.
• Integrity: Our words and actions reflect our values and we hold respect for all individuals.

Work Together

• Collaboration: We must share openly with one another, listen actively, and seek to understand the needs of our colleagues. We will respect diversity and work to find common ground.
• Teamwork: We will trust the person and attack the process.

Create Solutions

• Entrepreneurism: Act with a spirit of entrepreneurism, challenge the status quo, and find innovative solutions to our obstacles.
• Continuous Improvement: Everyone is an advocate for continuous improvement. Be willing to learn something new and accept that failure is a part of the process.
• Results: At the end of the day, results are what drive us forward. Hold yourself accountable to remove roadblocks and focus on the outcome over the activity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 10%