Process Engineer I (Chemical Engineer I)

We are seeking a Process Engineer I (Chemical Engineer I) for the EMG Group, APS Division at the Indianapolis manufacturing facility. This role is part of the APS Process Research & Development team (engineers, scientists, and technicians) supporting APS manufacturing plants in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Under general direction, the Process Engineer I supports the industrialization, scale-up, and optimization of chemical adhesive products, processes, and materials to enable safe, stable, and consistent, high-quality production. The engineer executes process development work to improve capability, cost, and cycle time while minimizing rework and supporting robust manufacturing performance. This is a hands-on role that spends approximately 80–90% of time in the laboratory and/or on the manufacturing floor, including observing plant chemical batches, supporting onsite manufacturing trials, and performing internal laboratory/analytical/QC testing. The role also supports customer root cause analysis (RCA), evaluates material alternatives and alternate sourcing/qualification options, documents results in clear technical reports, and works cross-functionally to resolve manufacturing issues. Some domestic travel is expected.

• ◆Execute plant/scale-up chemical batches, laboratory work, and analytical/QC testing.
• ◆Support scale-up of new or improved products and implementation into manufacturing.
• ◆Troubleshoot and resolve escalated manufacturing/process issues with focus on safety, quality, capability, cost, and cycle time.
• ◆Support customer RCA: translate problem statements into test plans; execute testing; analyze data; document findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• ◆Support material alternative sourcing/qualification by evaluating material substitutions and alternate sources to meet performance, quality, supply continuity, and manufacturing needs.
• ◆Perform broad chemical, analytical, and QC testing to support product development, troubleshooting, quality investigations, and customer issues.
• ◆Plan and support onsite plant trials in pilot plant/manufacturing operations.
• ◆Apply statistics and DOE as appropriate; use instrumentation and support equipment repair/design needs.
• ◆Perform routine and non-routine lab assignments of moderate to high complexity; make sound day-to-day decisions with limited supervision.
• ◆Select appropriate technical approaches using standard methods; develop/modify procedures when needed; communicate results clearly.
• ◆Maintain laboratory readiness: manage equipment and supplies; support specification and purchasing of new equipment.
• ◆Train staff as needed.
• ◆Promote safe work practices; support development and improvement of lab safety procedures.
• ◆Travel: domestic up to 5%; international travel is unlikely.

• ✓Bachelors in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or similar. BS with 2 years relevant work experience. MS with 0 years relevant work experience. Or an Associates degree or no degree with 10 years’ experience.
• ✓Demonstrated commitment to safety; adherence to company quality standards and ethics policies.
• ✓Strong attention to detail.
• ✓Adequate visual acuity to read chemical container labels and safely work with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory/manufacturing environment.
• ✓Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documentation of methods, results, and conclusions.
• ✓Ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, and technical groups).
• ✓Working knowledge of basic statistics; ability to interpret and communicate results; familiarity with DOE concepts.
• ✓Ability to work hands-on in lab and pilot plant/manufacturing operations, spending approximately 80–90% of time in the laboratory and/or on the manufacturing floor.
• ✓Ability to support customer RCA: define problems, build test plans, execute testing, analyze data, and drive data-based conclusions.
• ✓Ability to support material alternative sourcing/qualification through testing, evaluation, and clear recommendations aligned with manufacturing considerations.
• ✓Ability to perform broad chemical/analytical/QC testing, interpret results, and document work in concise technical reports.
• ✓Proficiency with computerized tools and common software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and SAP.

• ✓Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a closely related engineering