Chemical Engineer (at Gelest)

Company:

Job Description:

Gelest, Inc., part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is hiring a Chemical Process Engineer! We are seeking a motivated professional with industrial experience who is eager to grow their career while driving process innovation in the specialty chemicals industry.

The Chemical Process Engineer will be responsible for process design, process optimization, and technical support of manufacturing operations across the plant. This role focuses on developing, analyzing, and improving chemical processes; supporting operations and facilities; and contributing to capital and continuous improvement projects. The engineer will work closely with Operations, EHS and QA teams to ensure processes are safe, efficient, scalable, and compliant.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead and support process design, scale‑up, and optimization activities for silicone and silane manufacturing processes using sound chemical engineering principles.
• Analyze and improve unit operations including heat exchange/heat transfer, distillation, filtration, and reaction systems to enhance efficiency, yield, quality, and reliability.
• Provide day‑to‑day process engineering support to manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting process deviations, and conducting root cause analysis of process and equipment issues.
• Interface with Operations, Engineering, Management, internal customers, and suppliers to ensure process improvements and projects are technically sound, cost‑effective, and aligned with production goals.
• Participate in and contribute to Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), and Process Safety Reviews; support safe implementation of changes through Management of Change (MOC).
• Collaborate with Automation and Controls teams to support and enhance DCS and PLC‑based systems, and plant automation systems.
• Support capital and expense projects by contributing process designs, reviewing technical documentation, assisting with commissioning and start‑up, and validating process performance against design criteria.
• Create and communicate detailed process documentation, including sequences of operations, operating procedures, and commissioning/start‑up checklists.
• Analyze process data and equipment performance to identify and recommend modifications that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance product quality.
• Prepare technical reports and experience summaries documenting design basis, operating results, lessons learned, and recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to identify continuous improvement opportunities and mentor junior engineers or technical staff as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience with a heavy emphasis on process development and project management preferred.
• Previous Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) experience preferred.
• Validation/qualification process knowledge preferred.
• Capable of performing complex chemical engineering calculations, basic understanding of process engineering, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work in a production chemical processing environment, including wearing appropriate PPE (at minimum safety shoes, glasses, gloves, and a hard hat. Respirators or other PPE as needed).
• Must be able to perform hands-on processing duties, including sampling of chemicals and limited lifting requirements (up to 30 pounds).
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs as needed to obtain samples, observe processes, or perform similar tasks.
• Must be capable of working in a non-climate-controlled environment.
• This position is on-site and cannot be performed remotely.
• Travel is generally not necessary but may be offered for training or other educational purposes.

Supplemental Company Information:

Gelest, located in Morrisville, PA—conveniently accessible from Interstate 95, Route 1, and the PA/NJ Turnpikes—offers a rewarding career with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and optional supplemental plans for employees and their families
• 401(k) with a competitive company match
• Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus
• Company-provided uniforms, work boots, and PPE

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$120,000. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.