Chemical Process Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

NEXPERA leads the way in sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide regeneration, offering a comprehensive range of products and services that optimize processes, minimize environmental impact, and allow our partners to focus on their core operations. With the industry’s largest facility network, we ensure unmatched reliability and drive innovation across the industrial landscape. In addition, we provide an unmatched array of sulfur-based chemicals and related services to a diverse set of industries.

POSITION PURPOSE

NEXERPA's Assistant Plant Manager/Chemical Process Supervisor supports the planning, execution, and closeout of projects at an assigned plant site. This role works closely with the Plant Manager, site leadership, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. The position requires frequent on-site presence and hands-on coordination of project activities. This position is responsible for two sites with a total of 4 employee's total.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

• Assist with planning and execution of plant-based projects, including capital improvements, maintenance upgrades, and operational initiatives
• Coordinate daily project activities at the plant site, ensuring alignment with project plans, schedules, and budgets
• Track project progress and provide regular status updates to the Plant Manager and site leadership
• Support change management processes, including scope changes, cost impacts, and schedule adjustments
• Liaise with plant personnel, contractors, engineers, and vendors to ensure clear communication and coordination
• Support contractor oversight, including reviewing work schedules, progress, and compliance with contract requirements
• Assist with contract administration tasks such as tracking submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout documentation
• Assist in maintaining project schedules, cost tracking, and forecasting
• Review invoices, time sheets, and cost reports for accuracy and compliance
• Maintain organized project documentation, including drawings, permits, inspection reports, and meeting minutes
• Support enforcement of plant safety policies and regulatory requirements (OSHA, environmental, and site-specific rules)
• Participate in safety meetings, site walkthroughs, and incident investigations as required
• Assist with quality control activities, inspections, and verification of completed work
• Participate in project meetings, site meetings, and toolbox talks
• Prepare reports, presentations, and meeting summaries for internal stakeholders
• Escalate risks, issues, or delays appropriately to minimize impact to operations

QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to be qualified for this role, the following is required:

• Degree in Engineering or Operational Management desired, but not required 
• Five to 10 years progressive experience within an operational or chemical plant environment with thorough knowledge of the methods, techniques, principles, and practices of chemical plant operations.. 
• Demonstrated leadership ability with demonstrated ability to motivate a diverse group of people, many without a direct reporting relationship. 
• Must demonstrate an understanding of Human Resources / Relations principles, knowledge of Process / Operations 
• Management, QA/QC procedures, Safety, Environmental and Facilities / Capital Equipment Management. 
• Ingenuity and initiative are required to coordinate problem resolution, resolve conflicting priorities and to meet assignment deadlines within a team environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex problems and manage remedial action. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of contracts, project scheduling / management, budget preparation and cost control and have the ability to forecast budget, staffing and equipment needs. 
• Demonstrated effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills in order to interface with and motivate all levels of personnel. 
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate, effective, and complete and easily understood written communications and reports. 
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record. 
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check. 

Successful candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

BENEFITS

Nexpera's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental and vision insurance. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.