C-Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer (Nitrile Glove Manufacturing)

Summary

The Chemical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes used in the manufacturing of nitrile gloves, including nitrile compounding, coagulation, leaching, and curing. This role focuses on process efficiency, chemical safety, material quality, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process Optimization & Development:
  • Design, implement, and monitor experiments to optimize dipping line parameters, chemical formulations, and compounding processes to improve product quality (e.g., AQL, tensile strength), consistency, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Analyze process data and utilize statistical methods to identify trends, troubleshoot deviations, and implement corrective actions.
  • Conduct trials for new raw materials (nitrile polymers, coagulants, stabilizers) to assess their impact on glove properties and process performance.

• Formulation & Compounding Management:
  • Develop and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for chemical mixing, compounding, and handling.
  • Monitor the preparation, quality, and stability of the nitrile compound and other chemical solutions (e.g., coagulant, former wash) to ensure they meet required specifications.
  • Manage chemical inventory, safety data sheets (SDS), and proper waste disposal according to regulatory guidelines.
• Quality Control & Compliance:
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to establish and monitor critical control points (CCPs) in the chemical processes.
  • Ensure all chemical processes and materials comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., FDA, ISO, REACH).
  • Lead or assist in root cause analysis for product failures or deviations related to chemical or process issues.
• Equipment & Safety:
  • Work with the Maintenance and Engineering teams on the design, specification, and validation of new chemical processing equipment (e.g., reactors, mixers, pumps).
  • Conduct process hazard analyses (PHA) and ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols regarding chemical handling and processing.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field is required.
• Experience:
  • 3+ years of experience as a Chemical Engineer in a manufacturing environment; experience in polymer chemistry, nitrile processing, or glove/medical device manufacturing is highly preferred.
  • Proven experience in process design, troubleshooting, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Technical Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of chemical unit operations, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
  • Proficiency in process modeling software and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Python).
  • Strong understanding of chemical safety regulations and environmental compliance.
  • Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• A combination of office work and time spent on the production floor.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, chemical suits, and safety footwear when working with chemicals or on the production line.
• Ability to read detailed technical documents, schematics, and chemical formulations.
• Occasional travel may be required for vendor meetings, training, or equipment qualification.