POSITION OVERVIEW
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 our customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution with five manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Ascend is currently searching for a Senior Process Control Engineer for our Pensacola, FL location. The Sr. Process Control Engineer role offers a challenging environment with opportunities for growth in technical experience and personal development. Good communication, strong analytical and technical skills, an interest in problem solving and trouble-shooting, and knowledge of handling database software, and other computer systems are essential. Experience with managing and programming PLCs and DCS such as Fisher ProVOX and/or DeltaV systems is also a critical need for the position. The position will also be responsible for helping develop, deploy and maintain Operational Technology (OT) systems and strategies to improve throughput, yield, and or energy usage utilizing Six Sigma methodology to drive increased productivity.
TARGETED OUTCOMES
Measurable improvements in unit performance aligned to business financial objectives including raw material usage, energy usage, reliability, capacity, and quality.
Technical support, guidance and expertise for all phases of automation projects, from front-end engineering through detailed design, configuration, implementation, startup, commissioning, and maintenance.
Well-defined Process Automation productivity improvement plans (current year +1) and pipelines (5 years)
Develop and maintain dynamic operational entitlement models in order to understand best performance for any given set of conditions (production demand, catalyst age, etc.)
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.
Lead automation projects
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: Maintenance Manager
Team: Sr Project Engineer, Sr Process Control Engineer, Sr Project Engineer
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Other engineering degrees will be given consideration based on relevant experience
Minimum of 9 years post graduate experience as a process controls engineer
Knowledge and prior participation in process Hazard Analysis
Ability to apply Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to high hazard scenarios
Knowledge of the requirements of ISA84.2004
Strong programming and programming design skills as applied to batch process control, data communication, data collection and display systems
Prior experience with DCS programming and management
Prior experience with DeltaV and Provox/Envox
REQUIRED SKILLS
Understanding of the reliability, documentation and Management of Change requirements imposed by process control systems.
Aspen Tech Infoplus.21 Process Information Management software (Configuration and Application Development)
Knowledge of VMS and virtualization environments
Visual Basic for Applications
Demonstrated ability to apply Continuous Improvement Tools
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
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.