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 Pensacola Energy & Sustainability Production Engineering Department is seeking a highly motivated candidate for the position of Production Engineer. Reporting to the Energy & Sustainability Production Engineering Manager this position offers a challenging environment with opportunities for growth in technical experience and personal development. This role involves enhancing energy efficiency and contributing to the corporate sustainability goals by making improvements to the tightly integrated chemical manufacturing facility in Pensacola.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Achieve measurable improvements in unit performance aligned with business financial objectives, including raw material usage, energy consumption, reliability, capacity, and quality.
• Provide technical support for process units, from front-end engineering through detailed design, implementation, startup, commissioning, and ongoing operations and maintenance.
• Support both short-term and long-term process productivity improvement plans.
• Apply cutting-edge controls technology to enhance manufacturing processes and gain a competitive advantage.
• Track and drive continuous improvement within the process units.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the energy recovery program for the Pensacola facility.
• Identify and implement improvements to reduce energy and water usage at the site.
• Develop a deep understanding of process units to pinpoint opportunities for process enhancements.
• Utilize statistical tools to measure and improve process quality.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track process improvements.
• Facilitate continuous improvement projects and report progress to management.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineers to identify opportunities and support operations.
• Employ Six Sigma techniques to boost process performance and efficiency.
• Gain a thorough understanding of environmental requirements for the Pensacola facility.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain capital improvements for the unit.
• Provide support during process unit shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Support the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Management of Change (MOC) processes for the units.
• Advocate for process improvements.
• Work closely with all engineering disciplines and operations staff to fully understand each process and provide design input regarding process improvement, reliability, and safety.

TEAM

• Reports to: Production Engineering Manager
• Team Members: Production Engineers

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Education - BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent degree. Other engineering degrees will be given consideration based on relevant experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the chemicals industry
• Knowledge and prior participation in Process Hazard Analysis
• Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Strong environmental, safety, and health background
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ideally in energy systems.
• Understanding of reliability, documentation, and Management of Change (MOC) requirements for a PSM covered processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with outstanding verbal and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Proven track record of working effectively in a team environment and managing multiple complex projects.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional ability to collaborate effectively across the organization with both business and technology colleagues.
• Knowledge and certification in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Utilities experience is advantageous.
• Proven ability to identify and implement energy-saving projects.
• In-depth knowledge of industry best practices in energy efficiency and sustainability.

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.