Sr. Production Engineer
Ascend Performance Materials · Decatur, AL
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Production
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- 2 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior production role at Ascend Performance Materials (chemicals) in Decatur, AL. Develop a collaborative working relationship with Site Leadership, the Manufacturing organization, and other support organization on site.
- Tools it names
- Six Sigma, EHS / safety
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Alabama: typical posted base $104k–$135k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 24 production engineer openings in Alabama, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Alabama plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 23 other live production postings in Alabama.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $104k–$135k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 7+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Lean 58%
- Team leadership 38%
- ✓ EHS / safety 29%
- Root cause 29%
- Cost reduction 25%
- ✓ Six Sigma 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Ascend Performance Materials
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Ascend Performance MaterialsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key responsibilities
- ◆Lead the site Energy Effectiveness team focused on improvements in power, natural gas, and utilities utilization.
- ◆Works with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability professionals to improve the reliability of the on-site utilities and to maximize onstream time.
- ◆Actively supports the site & area safety programs via participation (or leadership) in PHAs, LOPAs, MOC, incident investigations, resolution of action items, and other activities to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
- ◆Provides counsel and troubleshooting assistance to Operations as needed to deliver planned performance.
- ◆Provides economic justification and process design information for small capital and/or expense projects.
- ◆Generates innovative ideas for process improvements and works with Manufacturing, Technology, Safety, and Project Engineering to screen such ideas.
Education/qualifications
- ✓BS in Chemical Engineering required.
Required skills
- ✓Strong technical troubleshooting skills.
- ✓Excellent interpersonal skills and can thrive in a team-based environment.
- ✓Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- ✓Proven ability to meet deadlines
- ✓Working knowledge of Six Sigma and AI to drive process improvements
- ✓Action oriented, and willing to engage with all teams
- ✓Knowledge of basic accounting and plant cost economics
- ✓Strong sense of ownership and a drive to improve existing systems and processes by creative & innovative approaches
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Position overview
The Production Engineering Organization provides chemical engineering expertise to deliver optimum performance of Ascend's process units in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality. The position works under the direction of the site Production Engineering Manager and works closely with professionals in Technology, Project Engineering, Safety, Reliability, and Manufacturing.
Targeted outcomes
- •Accountable to drive processes to best demonstrated, Entitlement, performance in the areas of capacity, yields, energy, safety, and quality using technical expertise and continuous improvement principles.
- •Develop a collaborative working relationship with Site Leadership, the Manufacturing organization, and other support organization on site.
Reports to
Manager of Production Engineering
Team & interactions
Member of the Production Engineering organization working closely with professionals in Process Technology, Safety, Project Engineering, Reliability Engineering, and Manufacturing organizations.
About Us
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.
Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.
Why work at Ascend?
Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS .
Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership , stay accountable , operate reliably , and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.
Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.