Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Senior Chemical Process Engineer 2.6 2.6 out of 5 stars Strem Chemicals, Inc., an Ascensus Specialties LLC company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to join our team in Newburyport, MA. This is a critical, high-impact role designed for a technical leader who can bridge the gap between complex engineering design and hands-on operational excellence. This role will be responsibile for leading the manufacturing, research, and development of specialty chemicals—primarily those involving high-pressure autoclave systems —used in life-saving pharmaceuticals and cutting-edge microelectronics.

Key Responsibilities Safety & Compliance Culture of Safety:

Lead by example by following all site safety procedures and policies, establishing safety as the highest operational priority.

Integrity of High-Pressure Systems:

Ensure all autoclave equipment is maintained and in peak safe operating condition prior to any experimentation or production runs.

Specialized Training:

Initiate, update, and train staff on high-pressure safety procedures and policies to maintain a secure working environment.

Compliance Management:

Maintain precise safety records and manage vendor testing/certification for high-pressure equipment and safety detector systems.

Standardization:

Develop and document rigorous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all autoclave and high-pressure processes.

Technical & Automation Excellence Process Control & Programming:

Utilize PLC (Siemens, Allen Bradley) or DCS software to control and monitor high-pressure equipment. This includes working with vendors to learn, modify, and optimize programming to enhance process efficiency.

Data-Driven Optimization:

Collect and analyze run data using logging instruments to troubleshoot the autoclave process.

Capacity Innovation:

Conduct reaction studies to identify opportunities for improvement, such as stopping reactions early or recharging and restarting to eliminate "dead time" and increase capacity.

Equipment Design:

Collaborate with engineering and construction vendors on capital improvements, facility upgrades, and the installation/commissioning of distillation columns.

Operational Leadership & Growth Production Leadership Path:

Embark on a structured growth path to learn the end-to-end production process, with the ultimate goal of leading the production team within a 24-hour operational environment.

Manufacturing Oversight:

Plan, organize, and supervise the manufacture of chemicals in autoclaves and associated equipment. Ensure raw material availability and monitor manufacturing costs to meet customer demand.

Yield & Quality Improvement:

Perform R D on existing and new autoclave products—specifically high-volume electronics product lines (e.g., DCOC) and API pharmaceutical products—to improve yields and reduce production times.

Resource Management:

Responsible for the purchase of raw materials, equipment, and spare parts. Prepare and manage the high-pressure equipment budget.

Chemistry Integration:

Demonstrate a willingness to learn the specific chemical reactions (temperature and pressure requirements) to better bridge the gap between engineering design and chemical output. Other duties as assigned by the Site Director.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Education:

BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Specialized Knowledge:

If Mechanical, a strong background or coursework in chemistry is required to support autoclave synthesis operations.

Experience:

5+ years in batch fine chemicals production. Previous experience with pressure vessels or autoclaves is highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

Hands-on experience with PLC/DCS automated process systems and statistical problem-solving techniques.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work in a plant environment, including climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs, and wearing a respirator when required.

Schedule Flexibility:

Ability to support a 24-hour operation and adjust hours as necessary to meet the demands of the plant.

Preferred Qualifications:

Autoclave Operations:

Direct experience managing syntheses within high-temperature/high-pressure vessels and a commitment to rigorous safety standards.

Process Controls:

Practical experience working with PLC/DCS interfaces and using process data to drive capacity improvements and yield optimization. Benefits Strem, an Ascensus Specialties LLC company, offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, wealth, and work-life balance of our team members.

Compensation:

Base Salary Range:

$130,000 - $170,000 per year.

Note:

Actual base wage will be determined by candidate experience, skillset, and internal equity.

Performance Bonus:

This position is eligible for an annual bonus based on both individual achievements and company performance metrics.

Health & Wellness Insurance:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

Financial Protection:

Company-provided Life and AD&D insurance, along with Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

Support:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and resources. Retirement (401k)

Immediate Vesting:

Eligibility begins the first day of the month following your hire date.

Employer Match:

100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions.

Tiered Match:

An additional 70% match ($0.70 on the dollar) on contributions between 3% and 6%.

Paid Time Off Vacation:

120 hours annually (pro-rated based on hire date), with increases based on tenure as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Sick Leave:

Provided in accordance with the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law.

Company Holidays:

9 paid holidays per calendar year. About Ascensus Specialties We partner with companies of all kinds to develop chemical solutions that improve everyday products and processes to enhance people's lives. Ascensus Specialties, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Application Deadline April 30, 2026 Department Engineering Employment Type Full Time Location Newburyport, MA Workplace type Onsite Compensation $130,000 - $170,000 / year Reporting To Site Director