Job Details

As a Senior Polymer Melt and Solids Handling Technology Engineer of Polyolefins you will be involved in evaluating polymer melt, powder and pellet handling systems, developing new process designs, interacting with relevant vendors, supporting commissioning and startup, and troubleshooting finishing equipment operations (including extruders, pelletizers, spin dryers, and solids(resin and pellet) conveying systems) at various sites around the world as required.

Provide qualitative and quantitative review of finishing equipment unit operational data to assist with debottlenecking of brownfield projects. This position can be located in either Baton Rouge, Louisiana or our Manchester, England office with travel to Asia as necessary to assist with startup and commissioning efforts.

YOUR ROLE WITH THE COMPANY:

• This position reports directly to the Polyolefin Solutions Business Unit Technology and Licensing Support Manager.
• Review and develop equipment specifications, operational procedures, and become knowledgeable about the necessary equipment for each project.
• Lead feasibility studies and risk assessments for extrusion and material handling systems.
• Prepare and check technical inquiry documents (requisitions, datasheets/specifications, etc.), review supplier technical quotes, and prepare technical bid analysis.
• Update inquiry documents to order, travel to witness inspections, attend/run post-order kick-off meetings, and review supplier design documents while coordinating with equipment suppliers.
• Analyze the performance and maximum capacity of existing finishing equipment as part of debottlenecking and/or troubleshooting projects in existing facilities.
• Ensure that our processes adhere to industry specifications, norms, and regulations.

• 10+ years of related experience in engineering design of oil & gas, petrochemical, or plastics plants with proven experience in gas processing, pellet conveying, and granular conveying.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in extrusion and material handling systems.
• Understanding of plant processes and unit operations, particularly in technologies like High Pressure Polyethylene (HPPE), Solution, Gas Phase Polyethylene (GPPE), Slurry CSTR and Slurry Loop.
• Familiarity with handling requirements for various polymers including, Acrylate Copolymers (EnBA, EMA, EEA), Acid Copolymers (EAA, EMAA), Ionomers, LLDPE, VLLDPE, mLLDPE, POP, OBC and UHMWPE.
• Understanding of polymer processing parameters including temperature, pressure, melt index, bulk density, and flow rates. Knowledge of polymer properties and relevant testing methods.
• Ability to analyze and improve existing processes, potentially including optimization of transfer systems (particularly within gas processing, pellet conveying, and granular conveying) for capacity enhancement.
• First-hand experience with polyolefin machinery packages such as solids (resin and pellet) conveying systems, extruders, pelletizers, and other types of packaged equipment.
• Understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for extrusion and material handling.
• In-depth knowledge of extrusion processes and material handling systems such as Extruder/Gear Pumps, Pelletizer, PCW system, Spin Dryer & Classifier, Conveying Systems (pneumatic), Feeder system, Blenders, Hopper car loadings, Purge Bins.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong analytical skills for handling complex plant data.
• Capable of working as part of a close-knit small core team as well as being self-reliant with the confidence to make decisions on their own initiative.
• Accountable, confident, bright, articulate, innovative, highly motivated, and a self-starter with a high energy level that performs with the highest integrity.
• Must be organized with the ability to support multiple concurrent projects.
• Knowledge and understanding of industry codes, product safety standards, regulations, etc.
• General understanding of the entire cradle-to-grave workflow for an EPC project, interdepartmental dependencies, and the importance of TIC rather than individual constituents.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, statistical analysis software, PowerPoint, and Outlook for data analysis and reporting.
• Open to international travel.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States or United Kingdom without sponsorship.