Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake, VA

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company's product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.comor follow us on social media.

The Process Engineer is curious to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better. A passionate and tenacious solver, the Process Engineer will work with people at all levels to accomplish goals. The ideal candidate maintains a positive attitude, embraces challenges as opportunities, and is diligent about staying organized and on-track.

This role will support the commissioning and startup of a new process on site, along with continued long-term process support.

Principal Accountabilities

• Assist in all commissioning and startup activities on the new plant, including developing/implementing commissioning plans, participating/leading trainings, creating Operations documents and procedures, creating and documenting safe work practices, and assisting in development of work rhythms of new plant

• Troubleshoot process and equipment operability/quality issues, identify root causes, and implement solutions

• Monitor operations to identify improvement opportunities related to safety performance, regulatory compliance, quality, efficiency, throughput, equipment reliability, waste reduction and operating cost

• Provide process engineering support for capital and expense projects with scope development, material and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, PILs, and equipment sizing/fit for purpose

• Optimize throughput and costs by focusing on waste minimization, energy consumption, cycle time and asset effectiveness improvements

• Participate in / lead (RCA) investigations, management of change, PSSRs, and PHAs

• Work alongside operators, maintenance, and chemist as a member of the team to support the production requirements

• Actively involved in EHS processes including PSM/RMP, site audits, and other site safety programs

• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to provide off-hours support for process-related questions and troubleshooting

Success Criteria

• Strives to establish and maintain trust, rapport and respect with all levels of the organization including operators, maintenance technicians, technical staff, and management.

• Can recognize occupational and process safety hazards and change behaviors or processes to support a zero-incident mindset for self and others

• Takes quality issues to heart and is dedicated to getting countermeasures in place to delight the customer in a timely fashion

• Achieves stated cycle times in accordance with the production schedule while maintaining an eye for capacity growth

• Can thrive within a very fast paced, commercially driven environment

• Has a full working knowledge of the equipment and processes associated with the plant and packaging

• Understands and operates within Federal and State regulations pertaining to safety and environmental requirements (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Chemical Engineering

• 3+ years' experience working in chemical process design or in a regulated chemical manufacturing environment

Preferred knowledge/skills

• Self-motivated with strong curiosity for troubleshooting

• Strong sense of commercial needs and timelines

• Understanding of continuous process operations

• Root Cause Analysis expert

• Never ending drive for continued process optimization

• Diligent over-communicator

• Experience with Pi and Delta V/DCS software

• Deep understanding and experience with PSM and activities required to maintain a PSM operation

#LI - On-site

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@solenis.com