Production Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact

The Production Engineer provides engineering expertise to deliver optimum performance of   Ascend's processes in the areas of safety, capacity, yields, energy consumption, and quality. The position works under the direction of the Production Engineering Leader and works closely with professionals in Technology, Project and Process Engineering, and Manufacturing. The Production Engineer will be assigned to support an area or specific unit operations.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• The safe operation of process equipment is paramount. All safety rules and procedures will be followed at all times.

• Environmental Compliance

• Unit Optimization

• Enhancement of safety, cost, and quality standards

• All personnel will actively participate in an Absolute Zero safety culture, Ascend to Entitlement (A2E), and Better Everyday culture as these are the guiding principles for everyday activities.

• Personal and professional development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description outlines the responsibilities of a Production Engineer focused on optimizing manufacturing unit performance. Key duties include:

• Process Optimization:

  • Improving yields, reducing energy consumption, and maximizing OEE.

  • Implementing process improvement projects and productivity plans.

  • Utilizing operational entitlement models and statistical tools.

• Reliability and Safety:

  • Working with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability to enhance unit reliability.

  • Participating in safety programs (PHAs, FMEAs, MOCs, etc.).

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Capital Project Support:

  • Serving as a Manufacturing Representative on capital project teams.

  • Developing project scopes and conducting technology reviews.

  • Providing process design information and equipment specifications.

• Technical Expertise and Troubleshooting:

  • Serving as a unit production expert, providing technical counsel and troubleshooting assistance.

  • Maintaining process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, procedures).

  • Conducting technical reviews and escalating complex issues to Process Engineering.

• Innovation and Improvement:

  • Generating and screening innovative process improvement ideas.

  • Developing and maintaining process simulations.

  • Implementing advanced performance tracking tools.

TEAM

• Reports to Production Engineering Leader

• Works closely with Production Engineers, Production Managers, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineers, and Operations Personnel

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• BS in Chemical Engineering

• 0-5 Years of experience

DESIRED CERTIFICATION

• Six Sigma Certification

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proficient technical, analytical and troubleshooting skills

• Driven to achieve continuous improvement

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.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

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.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.