Process Control 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 Pensacola Process Controls Department is seeking a highly motivated candidate for the position of Process Control Engineer. Reporting to the Senior Reliability Manager this position offers a challenging environment with opportunities for growth in technical experience and personal development. The Ascend Pensacola site is a tightly integrated chemical manufacturing facility with fixed batch and continuous control systems.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Measurable improvements in unit performance aligned to business financial objectives including raw material usage, energy usage, reliability, capacity, and quality.
• Technical support for all phases of automation projects, from front-end engineering through detailed design, configuration, implementation, startup, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Support Process Automation productivity improvement plans (both short and long term plans).
• Application of cutting-edge controls technology to improve manufacturing processes to provide competitive advantage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, implement and maintain process automation productivity improvement for chemical processes.
• Propose enhancements to existing control strategies.
• Use a broad range of automation tools such as advanced regulatory control, model predictive control, abnormal situation management, adaptive tuning, optimal control, robust control, adaptive control, or soft sensors to optimize existing processes.
• Work closely with manufacturing units to define appropriate controls applications.
• Develop knowledge of existing processes to identify process control improvement opportunities.
• Work with multi-disciplined teams to design, develop and implement solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Develop key performance indicators, track key process parameters and overall process performance.
• Leverage Six Sigma techniques to improve process performance and efficiency.
• Train and facilitate the transfer of new process control technologies into manufacturing units
• Document process control findings in technical reports.

TEAM

• Reports to: Process Controls Manager
• Team Members: Process controls

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Education - BS in Chemical Engineering or equivalent degree. Other engineering degrees will be given consideration based on relevant experience
• Minimum of 3 years experience in the chemicals industry
• Knowledge and prior participation in process Hazard Analysis
• Knowledge of Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA)
• Knowledge of the requirements of ISA 61511 formally ISA84.2004
• Strong programming and programming design skills as applied to batch and continuous process control, data communication, data collection and display systems

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Understanding of the reliability, documentation and Management of Change requirements imposed by process control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply Continuous Improvement Tools
• Proven analytical and technical skills
• Strong initiative to identify and address areas for improvement
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and effectively manage multiple complex projects
• Experience with managing and programming PLCs and DCS systems
• Experience with managing and programming Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

DESIRED SKILLS

• Experience with Emerson DCS systems (Provox, DeltaV SIS, and DeltaV BPCS)
• Allen Bradley PLCs, and HMIs

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.