Senior Process Engineer

 

 

 

 

 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Engineer to join our Technology Team. This position serves as a critical technical resource bridging the Technology Team's process design capabilities with the operational needs of our Sulfuric Acid and Spent Acid Regeneration (SAR) manufacturing network. The successful candidate will be an experienced chemical engineer with a deep passion for process design, rigorous technical problem-solving, and a proven ability to drive projects from concept through execution.

 

This role operates with a broad mandate — developing and owning front-end process designs, scoping capital and improvement projects, and providing expert-level technical support to plant operations across our UPA and SPPC Spent Acid site network. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where they can pivot between deep technical analysis and hands-on plant engagement.

 

About Our Technology Team

 

Our Technology team is the technical heartbeat of our sulfuric acid and spent acid regeneration business. We develop the process design standards, simulation tools, and technical frameworks that guide our manufacturing network. The Technology team partners directly with plant operations to deliver innovative, safe, and economically sound process solutions — and this Senior Process Engineer role sits at the intersection of that technical innovation and operational impact.

 

Qualifications

 

· B.S. in Chemical Engineering required

· 7–10+ years of progressive process engineering experience in chemical, petrochemical, or specialty chemical manufacturing

· Demonstrated experience in process design — PFDs, P&IDs, mass/energy balances, and equipment specifications

· Proven ability to scope and lead engineering projects from concept through implementation

· Strong technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex process issues and drive resolution

· Ability and willingness to travel to plant sites as needed (estimated 20–40%)

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences

 

 

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

 

· Sulfuric acid plant experience (contact process, double absorption, SO₂ handling, converter operations, acid towers/absorbers) — strongly preferred

· Spent acid regeneration (SAR) process experience — a significant plus

· Proficiency in Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS — strongly preferred

· Experience with HAZOP/PHA facilitation and MOC processes

· Capital project development experience (AACE cost classes, FEED studies, project scoping)

· Prior experience in a technology center, R&D, or corporate engineering function is desirable

 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

 

· Position may be based at a UPA site (Tulsa, OK; Riverton, WY; Cairo, OH) or an SPPC Spent Acid Regeneration site (Beaumont, TX; Anacortes, WA; Richmond, CA; Toledo, OH) although a remote option will be considered with significant sulfuric acid experience.

· Must be comfortable working in both office/laboratory environments and industrial plant environments, including exposure to heat, noise, and chemical processing areas

· Must be physically able to perform plant walkthroughs, climb stairs and ladders, and conduct field inspections in PPE-required environments

· Travel to other company sites, conferences, and vendor/contractor facilities will be required

 

Responsibilities

 

Process Design & Engineering

· Lead the development of process designs for new capital projects, technology upgrades, and plant modifications — from conceptual through detailed design phases, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and process specifications

· Develop and maintain rigorous process simulations using Aspen Plus and/or Aspen HYSYS to support design, optimization, and troubleshooting activities

· Author and review engineering deliverables including process design packages, basis of design documents, equipment datasheets, and design philosophies

· Evaluate process technology alternatives and provide documented recommendations to support investment decisions

· Initiate and manage Management of Change (MOC) documentation; participate in PHAs/HAZOPs and support PSSRs for new and modified processes

 

Project Scoping & Execution Support

· Define project scope, develop cost estimates, and prepare capital appropriation requests for process improvement and capacity projects

· Develop and validate technical justifications including ROI analyses, safety cases, and environmental impact assessments

· Interface with multidisciplinary project teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil) as the process engineering lead throughout project execution

· Monitor and report on process engineering deliverable progress relative to project schedules and budgets

 

Technology Development & Knowledge Management

· Contribute to the Technology Team's body of knowledge for sulfuric acid and SAR technologies — documenting design standards and lessons learned

· Identify emerging process innovations applicable to the business; support pilot testing and scale-up evaluations

· Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior process engineers and plant technical staff

 

Plant Technical Support & Troubleshooting

· Serve as a technical resource for plant operations teams at UPA and SPPC Spent Acid sites

· Conduct in-depth technical troubleshooting of sulfuric acid and spent acid regeneration process upsets, performance gaps, and reliability issues

· Perform root cause analyses (RCA) on process failures and deviations; develop and track corrective and preventive actions

· Analyze plant operating data to identify performance trends, debottlenecking opportunities, and efficiency improvements

· Support operational readiness activities including development of SOPs, operator training materials, and startup/shutdown procedures

 

Visa & Authorization

This position is open to all qualified applicants. H-1B visa sponsorship is available and supported for this role. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States upon hire or through visa sponsorship.

 

 

Embracing Diversity, Maximizing Results

 

At Chemtrade we are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.

 

To foster an inclusive environment, we actively encourage the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees. These employee-driven groups provide platforms for employees to share their perspectives, contribute their ideas, and help shape our inclusive and respectful culture and provide vital platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Together, we strive to build a workplace that recognizes and celebrates the diverse voices within our organization. We recognize the value of Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. 

 

Join us in our journey towards building an inclusive workplace that promotes the personal and professional development of our employees.

  

Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and their families.  That is why we proudly offer a range of family-friendly benefits, and opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

 

 

We are committed to supporting our employees at every stage of their lives and ensuring they can thrive both professionally and personally.  Join us and be a part of a company that values diversity, inclusion and the well-being of its employees

 

Learn more about Chemtrade by following us on LinkedIn or Facebook  and YouTube: Chemtrade 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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