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Kanto Corporation · 1 month ago

Technical & Engineering Manager - Production Chemical Processes

Portland, OR

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$130K/yr - $165K/yr

10+ years exp

Kanto Corporation is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-purity specialty chemicals that support advanced technologies. The Technical and Engineering Manager will oversee production chemical processes, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety while leading a high-performing technical team.

ChemicalElectronicsManufacturing

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all production chemical processes, including wet chemical transfer and mixing systems, ensuring quality, safety, and productivity targets are met

Oversee Process Engineers and Production Technical staff to ensure all process and facility operating systems maximize uptime, throughput, and reliability

Provide technical oversight and review of production chemical systems and process performance

Lead continuous improvement initiatives tied to safety, quality, and operational efficiency

Implement and align best practices with Kanto Chemical global standards, industry requirements, and PMF capabilities

Act as a change agent, fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving engineering-led innovation

Lead and manage Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and own the Management of Change (MOC) process for chemical production systems

Ensure the safety and reliability of chemical production assets through Mechanical Integrity, Preventive Maintenance, and Predictive Maintenance programs

Oversee the certification, recertification, and repair of chemical containers (ISOs, totes, drums, etc.)

Mentor, coach, and develop Process Engineering and Production Technical team members to build a technically strong, high-performing organization

Create a culture of technical excellence, problem solving, and innovation

Provide clear direction, prioritization, and support for daily and long-term technical work

Manage departmental budgets for Production Technical and Process Engineering functions

Support, lead, or execute key projects, from design through implementation, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, and quality targets

Manage critical spares and engineering-related inventories essential to chemical production continuity

Qualification

Chemical EngineeringProcess EngineeringProject ManagementProcess ControlsContinuous ImprovementHigh-Purity Chemical ProcessesRisk ManagementMathematical SkillsTeam LeadershipTechnical Communication

Required

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (required)

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in technical operations and chemical engineering

At least 5 years of hands-on experience as a Process Engineer

Proven expertise in high-purity chemical processes within manufacturing or industrial environments

Strong knowledge of process controls, including SPC and FMEA

Broad engineering background across chemical, mechanical, and industrial disciplines

Experience in chemical blending and packaging operations

Familiarity with PHA, FMEA, and advanced risk-assessment methodologies

Demonstrated success in project management and key project execution

High energy, strong leadership presence, and practical hands-on approach

Strong team-building ability and a 'start-up mentality' with a passion for continuous improvement

Ability to read, interpret, and communicate complex technical documents, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements

Able to prepare clear technical reports, recommendations, and project communications

Effective at presenting information to cross-functional teams and leadership

Proficiency in advanced engineering mathematics including mass/energy balances, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, statistical process control, and data modeling

Ability to analyze, calculate, and interpret complex technical data

Ability to define technical problems, collect data, evaluate variables, and develop sound engineering solutions

Able to navigate complex operational issues using both high-level strategy and hands-on decision making

Regularly required to walk production areas, observe processes, and participate in troubleshooting or engineering assessments

Must be able to wear required PPE including respirators and chemical protective equipment

Must be comfortable entering chemical handling areas and climbing stairs or ladders as needed

Work involves both office and chemical production environments, including exposure to wet chemical systems, mechanical equipment, pressurized vessels, and high-purity manufacturing areas