Chemical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Kodak is seeking a Process Chemist/Engineer to join our Specialty Chemicals team in Rochester, NY to support large scale batch chemical manufacturing through a process engineering lens. The Process Chemist serves as the subject matter expert for assigned products and key technical resource for operations, leveraging engineering principles and data-driven methodologies to optimize process performance, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. This role is responsible for troubleshooting and resolving process issues, identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities, commercializing new manufacturing processes, and ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective production of specialty chemicals for internal and external customers. The Process Chemist role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and process engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Subject matter expert and process owner of assigned manufacturing portfolio.

• Responsible for quality and yield of assigned processes. Processes include synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and formulation chemistry.

• Apply Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, statistical analysis, process capability, trend analysis, control charting, etc.) to reduce variability and improve yield, quality, throughput, and cycle time.

• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives targeting waste reduction, cost savings, productivity gains, quality improvement, and safety improvements.

• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 5Y, 5M, FMEA) for non-conforming materials and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

• Manage job specific projects assigned by job function or supervision.

• Maintain document control of all assigned process write-ups.

• Develop and author manufacturing processes, process design, control strategies, and operating procedures.

• Follow and improve division procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.

• Act as production lead for the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory and pilot to full manufacturing scale.

• Ensure processes are designed and operated in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHA), process safety review (PSR), management of change (MOC), and risk assessments.

• Develop and maintain working knowledge of plant and process operating equipment.

• Understand and estimate cost structures of assigned products and monitor production variance against standard.

• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally within and across departments and to site management.

• Serve as a technical resource for plant operations, providing real-time support for process deviations and upsets.

• Must be willing to support 24/7 plant operations. Monday – Friday, 40+ hours with typical day staff schedule. Evening and weekend support as needed.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry with 2+ years of industrial experience or Master’s in Chemistry with 0+ years of industrial experience. Candidates with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering with batch chemical manufacturing experience will also be considered.

• Experience with process scale-up, plant operations, or commercialization preferred.

• Strong understanding of synthetic and analytical chemistry.

• Structured problem-solving and critical thinking.

• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

• Ability to complete multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.

• Ability to work on the production floor.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Previous or current experience working in a large-scale chemical manufacturing environment is a benefit.

• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma tools (Green Belt or higher preferred).

• Experience with ISO 9001 is preferred.

• Experience with project management preferred.

• Skilled in problem solving and diagnostic troubleshooting.

• Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Excel, JMP, etc.)

• Mechanically inclined.