Director Chemical Engineering R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Chemical Engineer

Job Description

This Chemical Engineer role focuses on supporting production operations while leading a variety of process and equipment improvement projects. You will drive process optimization, implement new and upgraded equipment, and collaborate closely with product development teams to successfully launch new products into manufacturing. The position combines hands-on troubleshooting, process engineering, and technical leadership in a dynamic environment that serves critical industries such as power generation and advanced technologies.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day production operations by providing chemical engineering expertise and guidance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and reliability in manufacturing.
• Plan, execute, and oversee projects involving new equipment installation and existing equipment upgrades.
• Collaborate with the product development team to transition new products from development to full-scale manufacturing.
• Manage equipment-related projects, including handoff from product development to manufacturing and coordination of new product development and counter-production projects.
• Troubleshoot production and process equipment issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain process flow diagrams and P&ID (piping and instrumentation) diagrams to support safe and efficient operations.
• Conduct hazard analyses and other safety-related assessments to ensure safe handling of materials and operation of processes.
• Work with materials in a lab environment to support testing, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools and root cause analysis methodologies to resolve process and quality issues.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including R&D and product development, to support future-focused projects and innovation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement culture by documenting best practices, standardizing processes, and sharing learnings across teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical engineering preferred, with openness to a combination of chemical and manufacturing experience.
• Experience in chemical engineering principles, including process design and optimization.
• Hands-on experience with process improvement in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in developing and interpreting P&ID diagrams and process flow diagrams.
• Experience conducting hazard analyses and other safety-related evaluations for processes and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience using problem-solving tools and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience handling materials in a lab environment for testing and validation.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues in a production setting.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, including product development and R&D.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in both chemical and manufacturing environments is highly valued.
• Experience in supporting new product introductions from development into manufacturing.
• Familiarity with equipment projects, including new installations and upgrades in a production facility.
• Interest in working within industries such as power generation and advanced technology supply chains.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to grow into new functions or leadership roles as the organization expands.
• Comfort working closely with operations, engineering, and technical teams on the factory floor and in the lab.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is primarily based on the factory floor, with some work performed in an office setting and in a lab environment. The facility produces thermoset materials and high-pressure laminates, including tubes, shapes, and rods made from in-house produced raw materials. The organization operates as a material supplier to fabricators, who then supply parts to OEM customers in sectors such as power generation and electrical transformers. The work environment is dynamic and growth-oriented, with significant investment in supporting expanding demand driven by industries like power generation and advanced computing. Engineers have opportunities to collaborate with R&D and product development, work on future-focused projects, and explore cross-functional moves and leadership paths as the business continues to grow.

This is a Permanent position based out of Postville, IA.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, relocation assistance, paid holidays and vacation.

This is a fully onsite position in Postville,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.