Pilot plant engineer

Vertellus Holdings LLC Zeeland, Michigan
pilot plant engineer pilot plant safety health engineering operations chemical chemicals process engineering team operating energy
September 6, 2022
Vertellus Holdings LLC
Zeeland, Michigan
FULL_TIME

Company Overview :


Vertellus is a dynamic global organization with more than a century of leadership in manufacturing health, agriculture, and performance chemicals.


Our company is also a leading provider in the world of specialty chemicals for agriculture, nutrition, pharmaceutical, fine chemicals, medical, personal care, plastics, coatings, and many other industrial markets.


Our products are in the things you use every day toothpaste, deodorants, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, detergents, plastics, adhesives, inks, tires, and more.


Our culture is built on mutual trust and respect for all employees to focus on providing the best products and solutions to our customers.


At Vertellus, we hold ourselves and each other Accountable for Delivering Results with a Bias for Action while always acting with the utmost integrity, this is truly what it means to be a Vertellus employee.


We take great pride in displaying our Core Values through our work and our teams.


Job Summary :


The Pilot Plant Engineer will be working within the Process Engineering Team based out of the Zeeland, Michigan facility.


The Pilot Plant Engineer will focus on the development of new products by implementing processes into the pilot plant.


Responsibilities :


Role Specific Responsibilities :



  • Provides technical support and documentation for pilot plant operations, including process investigations, chemical process development, and technical transfer and scale up of new product introductions

  • Provides project and process engineering support for pilot plant activities. Associated tasks include equipment specification and procurement, process development, drawing development, process hazard analyses, protocol development and execution

  • Assists in developing cost estimates for repair work and capital work

  • Ensures the instrumentation, control systems, and documentation supports plant quality and production

  • Creates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new equipment / processes, as well as update of existing SOPs

  • Collects, analyzes, and reports data related to production capabilities and plant operations

  • Completes detailed Material and Energy Balances for new or modified processes

  • Modifies / Prepares new Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD’s)

  • Sizes and specify new process equipment, existing equipment, Safety Relief Devices, and vent systems for new capacities or services

  • Works with plant operating personnel to troubleshoot plant operation issues, especially when associated with project implementations

  • Works on Continuous Improvement Projects as identified or needed. Areas of emphasis include manufacturing cost reduction, capacity improvements / cycle time reductions, energy and waste reduction, and process reliability

  • Assists with regulatory compliance, permitting of plant facilities, and regulatory compliance of contractors

  • Completes other project work as necessary to support safe operations


Compliance :



  • Complies with company Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and arrangements

  • Reports all Health, Safety and Environmental accidents, incidents and near misses promptly

  • Acts in a safe and responsible manner at all times


Problem Solving and Innovation :



  • Active participation within continuous improvement activities

  • Participates in problem solving

  • Takes responsibility and ownership for own learning and development in the spirit of continuous improvement of both self and the business

  • Assists in the training, mentoring and assessment of other team members

  • Exercises autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance


Qualifications / Desired Skills :


Education and Qualifications :



Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering



Experience :



  • 0-3 years of experience in process design or process engineering, preferably in chemical development / pilot plant

  • Experience working with Delta V is a plus


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :



  • Fundamental knowledge of continuous and batch chemical operations including reaction, distillation, heat exchange, solids handling, utilities, and process control

  • Familiarity with Six Sigma Processes

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to adapt quickly to changing business needs and priorities

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to flex own style as needed to influence and drive results


  • Critical thinking skills and analytical abilities which allow assessments of situations and opportunities

  • Flexibility to work in cross functional teams in both office and operating plant environments on a wide variety of activities

  • Demonstrated knowledge in methodologies and process safety management tools including PHA / HAZOP, risk ranking, LOPA, root cause analysis, mechanical integrity, management of change, pre-startup safety review, etc.

  • Embodies the Vertellus Core Values : Accountability : Takes ownership and holds him / herself and other accountableDeliver Results : Takes personal responsibility for performance and business resultsBias for Action : Plays to win and gets the job doneIntegrity : Acts ethically, with integrity to act and do in the right way


If you have the energy, drive, and passion for joining the Vertellus team, we would love to hear from you. Apply today!


Vertellus offers competitive total compensation packages, including benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k), disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, paid time off, and paid holidays.


Vertellus is a global Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of and will not be discriminated against based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability status, genetic information, or any other protected category.


Last updated : 2022-09-06


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