Chemical Engineer - Developing Engineer Program (DE)

Arkema is looking to fill entry level Process and Mechanical Engineering roles within our Developing Engineer (DE) talent development program. Individuals in the DE position work with process operations, process technology, capital projects, process improvement, process automation and testing new equipment concepts. These roles support the development of solutions for a variety of technical challenges. The Developing Engineer program is an 18 month training and development program and positions are located at one of our US manufacturing sites. For more insight into this program, visit here: https://www.arkema.com/usa/en/media/news/non-global/countries/americas/Arkema-Developing-Engineer-Program/

Those best suited for this comprehensive training and development program have: 

• Geographic mobility (open to relocating within the US). Individuals in the DE program are expected to gain training and experience at an initial manufacturing location in the US then transfer to a new location after approximately 18 months.  
• Recently graduated from college with a Chemical or Materials Science Engineering degree so that the learned engineering principles and technology are current and front of mind. 
• Gained experience in plant floor engineering in a manufacturing facility (intern/externship, co-op, part-time, or full-time work) and HIGHLY interested in plant floor engineering. 
• Ability to start full-time in the DE program mid-2027

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

Technical & Operations    

• Understands engineering fundamentals and can apply to business or site specific technology, equipment, unit operations and control technology. 
• Works with senior engineers, research scientists, and plant personnel to optimize operations and meet business and plant goals for HES, production, cost, and quality. 
• Participates in daily troubleshooting support to operations and root-cause analysis and assists with implementation of associated corrective actions. 
• Analyzes production data to identify yield, variable cost, and quality improvement opportunities and uses Lean Six Sigma and asset utilization tools, methodologies and processes to develop and lead projects to deliver value to the business. 
• Communicates technical information and issues to supervisor and may assist with new product development activities at the plant. 
• Learns the basics of the plant process control system and data historian and provides feedback to process automation engineer/group for improvements and optimization. 
• Develops project scope, layout, cost estimates and leads execution of a small piece of a capital project(s). May participate in commissioning and start-up activities for larger projects. 

 Safety & Environmental 

• Learns and applies safety and environmental regulations applicable to the assignment.  Becomes familiar with the process safety management standard and assists in resolving issues identified in internal and external audits.   
• Participates in Process Hazard Analyses, Management of Change, Pre Startup Safety Reviews, and Incident Investigations and contributes to closure of associated action items. 

 Talent Development & Engagement  

• Mentors engineering co-ops as appropriate and participates in their recruiting process. 
• Supports the recruiting process for entry-level engineers and performs role of a Peer Advisor to new DE’s. 
• Has interest and displays a good attitude for continued learning.  Takes advantage of training opportunities and applies skills to daily work. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Materials Science Engineering required. 
• Ability to conduct basic studies and analysis and apply standards for equipment used in chemical process operations.   
• Ability to read and develop technical drawings. 
• Basic computer skills required, including use of spreadsheet and word processing software.  Use of modeling software is beneficial.  
• Familiarity with federal health, safety & environmental regulations for chemical industry is beneficial. 
• Familiarity with principles of Process Safety (PHA, LOPA, Safety Instrumented Systems) is beneficial 

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES:

• Strong problem solving skills and ability to implement improvement from concept through project completion. 
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to convey interpretation of process data 
• Team player with demonstrated ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization. 
• Self-motivated and focused; remains organized and drives toward results. 
• Demonstrates curiosity, able to experiment and learn on the job