Job Posting – Principal Chemical Engineer I

Location: Calvert City, Kentucky
Business Unit: DFL/DPT
Reports To: Technical Manager

Make an Impact at Arkema

Arkema is seeking an experienced Principal Chemical Engineer I to join our Calvert City manufacturing site. This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated chemical engineering professional to provide technical leadership, drive process improvements, and support capital project execution in a dynamic chemical manufacturing environment. 

As a key member of the site technical team, you will collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, environmental, laboratory, and corporate personnel to optimize plant performance, improve reliability, and support business growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization efforts to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Apply chemical engineering principles to process technologies including reaction systems, distillation, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Support the design and implementation of new process technologies and facility improvements.
• Provide technical leadership for capital projects, from concept development through startup and commissioning.
• Partner with project management, operations, and contractors to ensure successful project execution within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Identify and develop process improvement opportunities that enhance plant performance and reduce costs.
• Serve as a technical resource for production teams by providing day-to-day engineering support.
• Participate as a subject matter expert in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Process Safety Management (PSM) activities.
• Support product development activities, plant trials, and technology implementation initiatives.
• Help ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements. 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of chemical manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process engineering principles and industrial plant operations.
• Experience supporting capital projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Preferred

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience. 

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative technical leader who:

• Uses data and engineering principles to solve complex process challenges.
• Builds productive relationships across operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Drives continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to process safety and environmental stewardship.
• Thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys mentoring and influencing others through technical expertise. 

Work Environment

This position is located at Arkema's Calvert City manufacturing facility and includes work in both office and industrial plant environments. The role requires adherence to all site health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Travel is minimal. 

Why Join Arkema?

At Arkema, you'll work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about innovation, safety, and operational excellence. We offer opportunities to lead impactful projects, develop advanced technical expertise, and contribute to the success of a global specialty materials company.