Plant Process Chemist

Job Purpose

With limited guidance, the Plant Process Chemist (PPC) is responsible for undertaking process improvement projects primarily aimed at the manufacture of existing products and the testing associated with those products. They will also lead key cost saving initiatives for the Waukegan site including the Slow-Moving Obsolete Inventory (SLOB) and local rework processes with the relevant parties. Primary support activities for this position include the introduction of new products to the plant via the Critical Formula/Scale-up process and batch correction assistance for non-conforming material. The PPC will also contribute to customer complaint investigations and site audits. These objectives must be accomplished within the requirements of AkzoNobel and its customers using a strong, chemistry-based principles and data-driven indicators. This individual will need to positively and constructively interact with all other local, regional, and global personnel to facilitate a well-run production site and business. 
 

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that all site employees have awareness and training on site quality KPI targets, the quality statement and principles, and the various quality standard operating procedures.
• Championing, developing, and implementing optimized quality assurance procedures and systems to boost site and product quality.
• Leading RCCA events by identifying potential sources of error and suggest ways to eliminate them using Six Sigma/DMAIC strategies and problem solving. 
• Conforming to quality standards, customer specifications, and site quality guidelines and requirements.
• Verifying procedure, training, and documentation updates are made for preventative and corrective actions.
• Monitoring the performance of quality equipment by ensuring the verification, calibration, and maintenance records are up to date.
• Managing the SLOB process and local portions of the rework process using the appropriate ways of working, SOPs, and support channels (i.e. R&D, planning, production, specification custodians, etc.).
• Supervising the corrective actions associated with problem batches in QC and Shading and their progress towards final approval. 
• Contributing to scale-up and critical formula projects with process engineering and the Solutions teams (among others).
• Troubleshooting issues impacting quality, process variation, and process capability with the production team found during the manufacturing process.
• Supporting external and internal audits.
• Following the MOC process and helping scope temporary MOCs that are product/production focused.

Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or polymer science.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in coatings or polymers field, preferably with manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge: Well versed in paint formulation and RCCA problem solving. Expertise with paint manufacturing processes such as mixing, dispersion, and milling. Familiar with upscaling formulas from the lab to production level scale.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Expertise with using common paint lab equipment and running analytical lab equipment testing.
• Skilled at common paints and coatings testing techniques.
• Green belt certification preferred.

Rewards & Benefits

• The salary range for these skills is: $80,000 - $90,000
• Medical insurance with HSA
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
• Annual bonus
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay
• Paid Parental leave after 1 year
• Hybrid work for most exempt roles
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
• Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
• Tuition Reimbursement after 1 year
• Career growth opportunities
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
• Employee referral bonus

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