Vantage Specialty Chemicals · 2 days ago
Project Engineer
Vantage Specialty Chemicals is a dynamic organization focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences in the chemical manufacturing industry. They are seeking a Project Engineer to lead their engineering team in improving production and quality while managing capital projects and technical challenges.
Chemicals
Responsibilities
This position is very much one of being a working supervisor. While supervising contracted personnel, both professional and hands-on, the individual is expected to maintain a sizable project load
Direct or oversight responsibility for many of the capital projects undertaken at Vantage Oleochemicals. The normal flow of events in a project may include: completion of project design and developing a firm cost estimate, firm project design and a commitment on equipment, developing bid packages and going to contractors for bids on equipment and installation, coordinating and checking the actual construction, start-up and modifications of finished equipment and an Advice of Physical Completion for the project, and recommending routing maintenance, spare parts, listing necessary information and a financial closing (over or under estimate and why). May act as a Field Construction Manager or, in some cases, the Commissioning Manager
In the area of technical assistance, the incumbent investigates problems of a production, maintenance or technical nature, such as equipment failure or a process bottleneck. Incumbent research and defines the problem, designs or modifies equipment and/or process bottleneck. Incumbent researches and defines the problem, designs or modifies equipment and/or process after determining cost feasibility and receiving departmental approval. The position is also responsible for implementing management systems (procedures, training, and assessments) to comply with the company’s Engineering Procedures
Key responsibilities: Perform all or segments of the necessary engineering work on assigned studies and projects to modify equipment and processes to increase output, reduce costs, eliminate safety hazards, and/or improve product quality. (60%)
Lead Vantage Gurnee efforts to implement procedures and practices to comply with aspects of the companies Engineering Procedures. (25%)
Conceive and recommend projects for improvement of existing practices and conditions to increase output, reduce costs, improve working conditions, eliminate safety hazards, and/or improve product quality. (15%)
Study existing situations (equipment, processes, manufacturing procedures, etc.), considering possible improvements or modifications, and preparing reports complete with conclusions and recommendations as a result of studies. Incumbent plans or assist in planning the approach to projects or segments of projects assigned by supervisor and for plant turnarounds. When assigned complete responsibility for small projects, supervises and participates in all aspects of the projects from inception to start-up (designs, estimates, calculations, test runs, etc.) and resolves all problems encountered. Resolves all problems relevant to engineering disciplines (chemical, civil, electrical, etc.) when assigned responsibility for portions of major projects. Draws on engineering knowledge to assist in troubleshooting equipment and/or process malfunctions. Detailed technical process assistance may be provided by other Engineers, but the incumbent is expected to make relevant and innovative contributions wherever possible
Works routinely with other department heads and managers to assist in formulation of Vantage Oleochemicals’ capital plan and refines proposals for submittal
While reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, there remains a strong dotted line to the site manager and his staff. Actions taken and plans developed must be formulated with an eye to the site manager being the real customer
Responsible for assisting in the development of technical improvements in equipment, processes, manufacturing procedures, etc. Directly affects profits by assisting in trouble-shooting equipment and/or process malfunctions and thereby restoring the plant to maximum operating efficiency. Responsible for adherence to safety and health rules & regulations
Plays a major role in executing the Capital budget of approximately $10 Million per annum. Annually supervises or participates in 10-12 small ($25,000 or less) construction projects from inception to start-up. Annually manages 1 or 2 major ($.5MM and up) projects, assuming total responsibility for cost, scope, and technical success
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering is required
Minimum of ten (10) years of engineering experience
Supervisory experience with small groups desirable
Well-developed human relations and communications skills
Preferred
Experience in the chemical industry or other process plants, with related technologies is strongly preferred
Benefits
Medical, HSA, dental, vision
FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)
Life and AD&D insurance
Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
Short- and long-term disability
EAP, identity theft protection
Paid time off, Parental Leave
401(k) with company match
Company
Vantage Specialty Chemicals
Vantage delivers natural solutions that enhance our customers' technical performance and marketing success.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
2025-09-19
2025-09-15
Vantage Specialty Chemicals
2025-08-21
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