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The Role

**Position Title:** Project Engineer

Position Summary

Join Vantage Specialty Chemicals as a Project Engineer and lead our Engineering team to improve production, quality, maintenance, and to effect cost reductions. While also seeking to drive excellence in production, quality, process troubleshooting and operations excellence, and contribute to our success in the chemical manufacturing industry.

Position Scope

This is an in-office position that works out of the Gurnee, IL manufacturing site that reports directly to our Engineering Director.

Essential Duties and 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%)

Problem Solving:

+ 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.

Accountability:

+ 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.

Financial Responsibility:

+ 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.

Education & Experience:

**Education:** Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.

Experience:

+ Minimum of ten (10) years of engineering experience.

+ Supervisory experience with small groups desirable.

+ Well-developed human relations and communications skills.

+ Experience in the chemical industry or other process plants, with related technologies is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Talents

+ 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%)

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is: $96k - $144k annually. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.

Benefits

Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

+ 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 matchShort- and long-term disability

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results, and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.

Vantage is a leading supplier of naturally derived specialty ingredients and formulations that cater to the evolving needs of industrial and consumer markets. Through our chemistries, our customer focus and our global footprint, we are Enabling Tomorrow's Solutions Today.

As a company on the move, you’ll be working as part of a collaborative team and getting to know the cultural diversity of our world. We learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voice and talent of our colleagues by empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here.