Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionStrem Chemicals, Inc., an Ascensus Specialties LLC company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join our team in Newburyport, MA. This is a critical, high-impact role designed for a technical leader who can bridge the gap between complex engineering design and hands-on operational excellence. This role will be responsibile for leading the manufacturing, research, and development of specialty chemicals—primarily those involving high-pressure autoclave systems—used in life-saving pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge microelectronics.
Key ResponsibilitiesSafety & Compliance

• Culture of Safety: Lead by example by following all site safety procedures and policies, establishing safety as the highest operational priority.
• Integrity of High-Pressure Systems: Ensure all autoclave equipment is maintained and in peak safe operating condition prior to any experimentation or production runs.
• Specialized Training: Initiate, update, and train staff on high-pressure safety procedures and policies to maintain a secure working environment.
• Compliance Management: Maintain precise safety records and manage vendor testing/certification for high-pressure equipment and safety detector systems.
• Standardization: Develop and document rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all autoclave and high-pressure processes.

Technical & Automation Excellence

• Process Control & Programming: Utilize PLC (Siemens, Allen Bradley) or DCS software to control and monitor high-pressure equipment. This includes working with vendors to learn, modify, and optimize programming to enhance process efficiency.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Collect and analyze run data using logging instruments to troubleshoot the autoclave process.
• Capacity Innovation: Conduct reaction studies to identify opportunities for improvement, such as stopping reactions early or recharging and restarting to eliminate "dead time" and increase capacity.
• Equipment Design: Collaborate with engineering and construction vendors on capital improvements, facility upgrades, and the installation/commissioning of distillation columns.

Operational Leadership & Growth

• Production Leadership Path: Embark on a structured growth path to learn the end-to-end production process, with the ultimate goal of leading the production team within a 24-hour operational environment.
• Manufacturing Oversight: Plan, organize, and supervise the manufacture of chemicals in autoclaves and associated equipment. Ensure raw material availability and monitor manufacturing costs to meet customer demand.
• Yield & Quality Improvement: Perform R&D on existing and new autoclave products—specifically high-volume electronics product lines (e.g., DCOC) and API pharmaceutical products—to improve yields and reduce production times.
• Resource Management: Responsible for the purchase of raw materials, equipment, and spare parts. Prepare and manage the high-pressure equipment budget.
• Chemistry Integration: Demonstrate a willingness to learn the specific chemical reactions (temperature and pressure requirements) to better bridge the gap between engineering design and chemical output.
• Other duties as assigned by the Site Director.

Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseEducation:

• BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or BS in Mechanical Engineering.
  Specialized Knowledge: If Mechanical, a strong background or coursework in chemistry is required to support autoclave synthesis operations.

Experience:

• 5+ years in batch fine chemicals production. Previous experience with pressure vessels or autoclaves is highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Hands-on experience with PLC/DCS automated process systems and statistical problem-solving techniques.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a plant environment, including climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs, and wearing a respirator when required.

Schedule Flexibility:

• Ability to support a 24-hour operation and adjust hours as necessary to meet the demands of the plant.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Autoclave Operations: Direct experience managing syntheses within high-temperature/high-pressure vessels and a commitment to rigorous safety standards.
• Process Controls: Practical experience working with PLC/DCS interfaces and using process data to drive capacity improvements and yield optimization.

BenefitsStrem, an Ascensus Specialties LLC company, offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, wealth, and work-life balance of our team members.

Compensation:

• Base Salary Range: $130,000 – $170,000 per year.
• Note: Actual base wage will be determined by candidate experience, skillset, and internal equity.
• Performance Bonus: This position is eligible for an annual bonus based on both individual achievements and company performance metrics.

Health & Wellness

• Insurance: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Financial Protection: Company-provided Life and AD&D insurance, along with Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.
• Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and resources.

Retirement (401k)

• Immediate Vesting: Eligibility begins the first day of the month following your hire date.
• Employer Match: 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions.
• Tiered Match: An additional 70% match ($0.70 on the dollar) on contributions between 3% and 6%.

Paid Time Off

• Vacation: 120 hours annually (pro-rated based on hire date), with increases based on tenure as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Sick Leave: Provided in accordance with the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law.
• Company Holidays: 9 paid holidays per calendar year.