Plant Process Chemist

22h22 hours ago

AkzoNobel

Waukegan, US · Full-time · $84,000 – $96,000

About this role

AkzoNobel has supplied innovative paints and coatings since 1792, with brands like Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon trusted worldwide. The Plant Process Chemist undertakes process improvement projects for manufacturing existing products and related testing. They use strong chemistry-based principles and data-driven indicators to support site operations.

Day-to-day duties include leading cost-saving initiatives like Slow-Moving Obsolete Inventory (SLOB) and rework processes. Support new product introductions through the Critical Formula/Scale-up process and assist with batch corrections for non-conforming material. Manage quality near misses, customer complaints, and Internal Non-Conformance Report (INCR) investigations.

The role involves positive interactions with local, regional, and global personnel to ensure a well-run production site. Promote health, safety, and environmental compliance across all activities. Champion quality assurance procedures using Six Sigma/DMAIC strategies for root cause analysis.

Actively educate, coach, and mentor other departments on quality standards and corrective actions. Verify updates to procedures, training, and documentation. Contribute to site audits and optimized systems for enhanced product quality.

Requirements

Strong chemistry-based principles applied to manufacturing processes
Data-driven indicators for process optimization and decision-making
Knowledge of Six Sigma/DMAIC strategies for root cause corrective action
Experience designing experiments and conducting testing for quality investigations
Familiarity with quality assurance procedures and standards in chemical production
Ability to manage inventory processes like SLOB, rework, and scrap
Proficiency in scale-up and critical formula processes for new products
Skills in regulatory compliance for health, safety, and environment

Responsibilities

Undertake process improvement projects aimed at manufacture of existing products and associated testing
Lead key cost saving initiatives including Slow-Moving Obsolete Inventory (SLOB) and local rework processes
Introduce new products to the plant via Critical Formula/Scale-up process
Provide batch correction assistance for non-conforming material
Manage quality near misses, customer complaint, and INCR investigations including experiment design and root cause analysis
Promote health, safety, and environmental regulations in compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements
Lead RCCA events using Six Sigma/DMAIC strategies to identify and eliminate error sources
Manage SLOB, Rework, Scrap, Scale-up, and critical formula processes with relevant parties