Process Engineer

The Shepherd Chemical Company manufactures metal-based chemicals that are essential to technologies supporting consumer safety, environmental sustainability, advanced product performance, and industrial process efficiency. From fragrance and personal care to petrochemicals and polyurethanes, we partner with customers to solve complex challenges through the synthesis, scale-up, and commercialization of inorganic and organic metal compounds.

Why Join Us?

At Shepherd, engineers do more than support production—they help move ideas from concept to container. Our employees scale innovative projects, collaborate with trusted and talented colleagues, travel to visit customers, attend industry conferences, and participate in community initiatives focused on health, wellness, safety, and philanthropy. Every day, our team pursues Shepherd’s core purpose of Creating Value and Brightening Lives.

Job Overview

As a Process Engineer, you will apply engineering expertise to improve operational performance through technology, systems, data analysis, and process improvements. This role focuses primarily on batch operations and supports key performance metrics including safety, environmental control, productivity, quality, equipment reliability, and cost efficiency. If you are energized by solving complex manufacturing challenges, collaborating across teams, and turning data into meaningful improvements, this role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze process data: Evaluate key in-process and lab data to reduce variation in product quality, output, process parameters, batch cycle times, safety risks, utility consumption, chemical exposure, emissions, and material waste.
• Drive process improvement: Identify and lead initiatives that improve process efficiency, capacity, reliability, safety, and environmental performance.
• Support production: Assist with day-to-day production activities, floor-level troubleshooting, data tracking, process changeovers, and operational problem solving.
• Lead change management: Oversee the Management of Change process for facility and processing changes.
• Partner with maintenance: Participate in preventive and corrective maintenance activities to support reliable equipment operation.
• Train and support teams: Provide training and technical support for production team personnel.
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Safety, and Quality teams to establish and share best practices.
• Support projects: Assist with construction, commissioning, and startup activities for infrastructure, product development, and process development projects.
• Ensure compliance: Support activities aligned with ISO 9001:2015, Responsible Care, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Manage impact: Support project and production-related activities that improve reliability, reduce cost, and strengthen operational performance.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering preferred; bachelor’s degree in another engineering discipline required.
• Minimum of two years of chemical manufacturing experience or two to five years of relevant co-op experience.
• Ability to use software applications essential to technical performance, data evaluation, documentation, and project work.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with process improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement tools.
• Experience identifying root causes, improving batch performance, reducing waste, or improving reliability in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This role includes time in a manufacturing environment where you may occasionally be exposed to cold, heat, dust, and noise. The position requires a commitment to safe work practices, environmental responsibility, and collaboration with plant teams.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Health and life insurance beginning on date of hire
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Company 401(k) contribution beginning on date of hire
• Company bonus eligibility
• Fitness membership subsidy
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Career development opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Shepherd Material Science Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.