Senior Process Engineer

Company Overview

Polymer Engineering Pilot Center (PEPC). PEPC provides advanced research and testing technologies for product and process development, continuing to leverage Firestone's rich industry heritage to provide outstanding product quality and develop polymers for next-generation applications. The plant is located on a 35-acre site and produces MT quantities of baled products for testing. Our polymer engineering facilities in Akron work closely with Bridgestone's global facilities to develop the latest in tire polymer technologies. We are a part of the Akron Complex and participate in all Akron-based community activities.

Business Unit

BSA - Product Development

Job Category

Engineering & Science

Position Summary

The Senior Process Engineer, based in Akron Ohio, will support broader product and process development initiatives. This role bridges pilot-scale innovation and manufacturing readiness by working with multiple teams to scale new polymer and process technologies to production. This position will also directly support the design, commissioning, and operation of a new pilot-scale distillation process.

The successful candidate will be self motivated, collaborative, and capable of prioritizing work across multiple projects. They must be comfortable translating new chemistries into scaleable, reliable processes while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver both near-term execution and long-term capability. This position requires a strong plant presence, with an expectation of being onsite at least 4 days per week. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. A local candidate is preferred but relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Exemplify Bridgestone's Safety First, Always mission statement and actively promote a safety minded work culture
• Collaborate with external engineering firms and internal partners to scope, design, and specify process equipment
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and start up activities
• Develop and review process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures, and start-up plans
• Support the scale-up of new polymer chemistries and process technologies from laboratory towards commercial readiness
• Facilitate and oversee production trials for new polymer products and process technologies in a manufacturing environment
• Troubleshoot process challenges using engineering fundamentals and statistical analysis of available process data
• Identify and recommend continuous improvement opportunities
• Prepare and deliver clear project updates and technical presentations to leadership and senior management
• Work effectively with operations and production personnel, maintenance teams, technicians, vendors, contractors, and other engineers to execute responsibilities

The Senior Process Engineer will leverage their expertise as part of Product Development, which plays a critical role in scaling and commercializing new polymer and process technologies at the Akron Polymer Engineering Pilot Center and in the Firestone Polymers Lake Charles Plant. This includes contribution to the design and implementation of new distillation infrastructure and the support of several global development teams.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management skills
• A strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and equipment/infrastructure implementation
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and engineering tools such as PI, Minitab, Aspen, or similar software
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and management across a wide range of technical backgrounds
• Familiarity with hydrocarbon processing and distillation, polymer chemistry, and polymer science

Candidates who excel in this role will:

• Proactively identify improvement opportunities that enhance safety, quality, and process capability
• Collaborate effectively across multiple functions by listening, engaging objectively, and working toward shared business goals related to quality, product performance, and value
• Thrive in an environment that blends pilot-scale innovation and real-world manufacturing scenarios
• Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, concise, and visual manner

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in chemical or polymer engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in production or process engineering within a chemical PSM plant or a refinery environment is preferred.

A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant industry experience is required.

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they feel safe bringing their chosen version of themselves to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to "Serve Society with Superior Quality", for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• An effective and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider all individuals for employment based on their unique merit and without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.