Improvement Engineer Job

The Arkema NA Corporate R&D Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA has an opening for an Improvement Engineer for the multi-business unit Pilot Plant. The Improvement Engineer is a member of the Central Process Technology organization at Arkema and reports to the Pilot Plant Manager.

While this position has no direct reports, the incumbent will support and oversee contracting companies, process operators, and field contractors among other roles and will lead multi-functional teams. The position in based in King of Prussia, and requires frequent presence in the pilot plant operating area with occasional travel to contractors and vendors.

The position requires hands-on involvement in pilot units and applies strong chemical engineering expertise to drive facility improvements and engineering projects at the site. Responsibilities include managing multiple projects up to $10M, ensuring compliance with corporate standards, and addressing environmental and safety concerns in coordination with government agencies and local communities. The role demands a solid grasp of chemical processes, project development, cost estimation, scheduling, and effective communication with project sponsors and steering committees.

Key Activities and Responsibilities:

Process Improvement

• Understands pilot plant process technology, equipment, unit operations, and control technology and apply new technology to improve existing processes.
• Conduct basic engineering work and process analysis on complex plant unit operations.
• Leads advanced troubleshooting and appropriate root-cause analysis and accountable for implementation of associated corrective actions.
• Applies statistical methods and Six Sigma tools to analyze problems, optimize operations, identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions to deliver value to BU customers.
• Lead preparation of PFD’s, P&ID’s, heat and material balances, etc.
• Lead preparation of equipment lists, specification sheets and other process input to projects.
• Team lead PHA and facilitate DHA Reviews.  Lead action closure for HAZOP and DHA

Projects

• Conduct internal alignment meetings
• Study process alternatives and develop preliminary project analysis with stage gate checkpoints before proceeding with the design.
• Lead stage gate process and ensure quality of deliverables, ensuring critical project reviews are conducted in coordination with other functional departments.
• Develop project execution plans.
• Prepare estimates.
• Review designs, estimates and execution strategies and ensure appropriate management and technical approvals
• Coordinate safety, CSR and environmental reviews.
• Lead coordination with internal goods and services department to prepare bid packages and vendor selection process.
• Manage external engineering, construction, material and service providers and approve the design output. 
• Interface with construction crews including safe work permits.
• Assemble and present project updates to business leadership and other project stakeholders
• Manage project budgets and records.
• Manage KPIs to control project and maintain project objectives, identify and communicate project risks and implement appropriate action plans.
• Coordinate commissioning and start-up activities to ensure effective implementation of projects.
• Coordinate Management of Change, Pre Startup Safety Reviews, and construction incident investigations and execute associated action items. 

Required Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering.
• More than 5 years industrial experience in a chemical environment

​​​​​​​Competencies Necessary in Role:

• Good understanding of chemical process industry and the technical aspects of chemical process and chemical project development.
• Basic knowledge of chemical process engineering, project design and construction, including vessel design, piping, instrument/electrical, civil/structural, process and environmental.
• Working knowledge in scheduling, cost estimating, and project controls.
• Proficient in process and project manufacturing digital tools and utilizes digital tools such as cost and schedule software and CAD.
• Ability to prioritize, lead and delegate process and project activities and influence resources external to Arkema.
• Knowledge of contracting strategies and schedule control.
• Leads efforts to develop and analyze project options by assessing all considerations (technical, financial, safety, CSR/ESG and environmental).
• Well-versed in stage gate and coaches less experienced engineers to use the methodology.
• Efficient use of six sigma tools and develops project opportunities based on data analysis. Coaches less experienced engineers to use appropriate data analysis tools.
• Expert in internal methods and tools.
• Provides cross business unit/departmental support.
• Good understanding of environmental and safety issues associated with the chemical process industry.
• Actively networks and consults within and outside business unit or support function.  Actively participates in corporate initiatives.  Work processes leader.  Messaging, presentations and written reporting to director level.
• Has internal and external networks.
• Mentors less experienced engineers across KOP.
• Proficient in completion of CSR (ESG) deliverables for projects and plant support programs.
• Is recognized across the site as a skilled chemical engineer.