Process Innovation Engineer

Job description

Solvay is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. We innovate and partner with customers in diverse global end markets. Solvay Composite Materials combines 50 years of technology heritage to bring a comprehensive product portfolio, expertise in material design, and extensive process engineering solutions to our customers. As the partner of choice for advanced materials development, we deliver optimal material solutions to address our customers’ most challenging demands for new high-performance materials to improve durability and production, while offering weight savings for the end application.

Overview The R&I Process Innovation (PI) group consists of process engineers that are responsible for developing breakthrough and disruptive process technologies in support of Solvay Composite Materials’ (CM) future processing needs. The incumbent of this position will investigate and develop process solutions across a wide range of industries. The primary responsibilities include: • Developing breakthrough process technology as directed by CM’s PI roadmap • Deployment of new process technology (process/equipment specification, process condition development, financial justification/modeling, etc.) • Staying current on processing technologies and existing IP landscapes • Demonstrating safe behavior in actions and process design • Leading/supporting vendor trials (planning and execution) • Leading cross-functional teams to complete project work • Collaborating across functional groups

Job Overview and Responsibilities:

Scope

The R&I Process Innovation (PI) group consists of process engineers that are responsible for developing breakthrough and disruptive process technologies in support of Solvay Composite Materials’ (CM) future processing needs. The incumbent of this position will investigate and develop process solutions across a wide range of industries and applications. The primary job responsibilities include:

•Strong sense of curiosity, urgency and the ability to take smart risks
•Ability to grasp processing needs and a process’s potential for industrialization and ease of use.  
•Broad understanding of composite materials and processes (web/fiber handling, exothermic and other HSE risks, operational issues/limitations, etc.)
•Understanding of APQP, DFSS and Six Sigma tools including FMEAs, Lean techniques, cost of poor quality analysis, process mapping, etc. 
•Good project management skills
•Ability to establish good working relationships within Solvay and with vendors
•Good communication skills (verbal and written)
•Good engineering/problem-solving skills

•Developing breakthrough process technology as directed by CM’s PI roadmap
•Deployment of new process technology (process/equipment specification, Capex project support, process condition development, financial  justification/modeling, etc.)
•Staying current on processing technologies within the GBU and evolving trends in Industry
•Ensure developed IP is protected and avoid infringing on existing IP of others
•Provide leadership and ownership in assuring compliance in Health, Safety, and Environment within everyday activities and in any design efforts.
•Leading/supporting vendor trials (planning and execution)
•Leading cross-functional teams to complete project work
•Collaborating across functional groups and external suppliers to achieve stated objectives

Education and Experience:

•BS Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical preferred)
•Minimum 5-10 years’ experience as Process or Manufacturing Engineer
•Experience leading new product or process introduction/scale up projects with cross functional team members and external suppliers/customers
•Must be a US citizen or have Permanent Resident status due to ITAR and NIST

Skills:

•Safety leadership and understanding of inherent process risks
•Ability to grasp processing needs and a process’s potential for industrialization and ease of use.  
•Independent, self-motivated worker with sense of urgency 
•Risk Taking and Risk Tolerance – decisive and action oriented, willingness to fail
•Influencing and change leadership skills (ability to sell ideas and negotiate for resources without direct reporting structure)
•Communication skills (effective written, verbal and presentation skills)
•Planning, organizing & measuring results (detail oriented)
•Technical problem solving ability using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies
•Understanding of APQP, DFSS and Six Sigma tools including FMEAs, Lean techniques, cost of poor quality analysis, process mapping, etc. 
•Flexible in both time and ability to travel 
•Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides and statistical analysis programs such as JMP or Minitab

Additional Information
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