Chemical Process Engineer
W. R. Grace · South Haven, MI
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $78k–$107k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- 18 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at W. R. Grace (chemicals) in South Haven, MI. Lead engineering programs for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) production campaigns, collaborating daily with cross-functional groups (Quality, Regulatory, Compliance, Operations, Process Safety, R&D) to ensure seamless execution.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Base pay
- $78k–$107k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Michigan: typical posted base $78k–$121k. This one lists $78k–$107k.
Median of the low and high ends of 14 live postings that list pay, out of 36 process engineer openings in Michigan, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Michigan plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 35 other live process postings in Michigan.
- Base pay
- About 7% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 4+)
Typical $78k–$121k, from 13 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Six Sigma 50%
- New product launch 44%
- Root cause 44%
- Lean 42%
- Tooling 36%
- Automation 31%
✓ = 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 Process team at W. R. Grace
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?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- 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 W. R. GraceAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Lead engineering programs for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) production campaigns, collaborating daily with cross-functional groups (Quality, Regulatory, Compliance, Operations, Process Safety, R&D) to ensure seamless execution.
- ◆Identify and resolve production issues, ensuring efficient and compliant operations.
- ◆Navigate API development processes (all clinical phases) and author Deviation/Investigative and Corrective Action Reports.
- ◆Convey engineering information to site management and external partners/customers.
- ◆Author high-quality cGMP batch records ensuring first-time right execution.
- ◆Develop and execute validation protocols and summary reports for Phase 3 and commercial API programs.
- ◆Convey engineering information to site management and external partners/customers.
- ◆Evaluate process performance, recommend improvements, and provide technical reports at campaign completion.
- ◆Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant (equipment upgrades, procedural refinements, and project implementation), while ensuring adherence to Management of Change (MOC) processes.
Physical
Requirements
and Environment
- ✓Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Required Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
- ✓Strong understanding of chemical process fundamentals and unit operations.
- ✓Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓2+ years experience in a manufacturing or process development environment
- ✓Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and implementing process improvements.
- ✓Demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills.
- ✓Batch manufacturing experience in a cGMP environment
- ✓Batch control, process simulation experience
- ✓Industrial experience as an individual contributor and in cross-functional teams, including customer-facing role
To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Band Grade : 5-C
Annual Wage Range: $77,981.60 - $107,224.70
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your process engineering expertise impacts the delivery of life-saving medicines? Imagine collaborating on critical production campaigns for external clients, ensuring flawless execution and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This is not just a job; it’s a pivotal role at the heart of a global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Grace seeks a motivated Chemical Process Engineer for our state-of-the-art Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in South Haven, Michigan. This role offers a unique opportunity to build your expertise in process engineering, regulatory compliance, and validation. You’ll contribute directly to a culture of excellence, ensuring the highest quality and regulatory adherence. We offer a rewarding environment with progressive developmental opportunities to help you broaden your engineering skillset while also honing your specialties. If you have a strong technical background and a commitment to exceptional results in a Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) environment, we encourage you to apply.
This role is on-site in South Haven, MI and reports to the site engineering organization.
Benefits
- •Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- •Life Insurance and Disability
- •Grace Wellness Program
- •Flexible Workplace
- •Retirement Plans
- •401(k) Company Match
- •Paid Vacation and Holidays
- •Parental Leave
- •Tuition Reimbursement
- •Company Donation Match Program
- •Site specific contribution to local Wellness Center
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.