Senior Project Engineer

The Senior Project Engineer will play a key role in the development, construction, and start-up of Hydrite's new Laurens, SC greenfield facility, with the expectation of transitioning into a long-term engineering role supporting the site post-startup. This position provides hands-on leadership through all phases of the Laurens expansion, from front-end engineering and detailed design through construction, commissioning, and start-up, while establishing the engineering, operational, and reliability foundation for the new facility. Following startup, the role will shift to ongoing capital project execution, continuous improvement, and plant engineering support.

Responsibilities

Play a key role in the development, construction, and start-up of Hydrite's new Laurens, SC greenfield facility; Lead and support execution of capital projects from design through start-up; Partner with corporate engineering, construction teams, and contractors to ensure scope, schedule, and cost alignment; Support development of site standards, engineering practices, and documentation (P&IDs, specs, procedures); Drive commissioning and start-up activities, including troubleshooting and performance validation; Establish foundational systems for reliability, maintenance, and operational readiness; Manage and execute capital and improvement projects post-startup; Identify and implement process, safety, and reliability improvements; Provide daily engineering support to operations, including troubleshooting and optimization; Support MOC, PSM, and regulatory compliance initiatives; Lead and support Hydrite's Safety Vision, Mission, and Values; Provide engineering support to Corporate SQRA and Site EHS representatives for regulatory compliance; Lead engineering efforts to support Food Safety and SQF initiatives; Coordinate and direct process hazard analysis; Support Sales and Marketing activities and provide technical assistance to customers; Support daily production activities by monitoring process performance and implementing corrective actions; Develop operating procedures, training materials, and technical guidance for new equipment and processes; Support maintenance of plant equipment as a technical resource; Provide timely, concise, and accurate reports, including weekly written status updates; Support construction management by coordinating with contractors and subcontractors and conducting site audits

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering; Minimum eight years of Process-Engineering and/or Project Engineering experience in chemical-processing industry preferred; Minimum of five years of direct technical management experience (interfacing with contractors); Strong computer skills and knowledge of PowerPoint, Word, and Excel required; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to read, write, and speak English; Ability to sit and/or stand up to 12 hours per day; Ability to climb ladders and stairways up to 40 feet in height on an occasional basis; Valid driver's license and personal vehicle required; Ability to travel up to 25% of the time for the first year; Occasional 12-to-14-hour workdays may be required

Nice to have

Additional education in Project Management; Greenfield projects, major expansions, or plant start-ups experience strongly preferred; Site decommissioning experience (removal of equipment, demolition); Proficiency in AutoCAD and pipeline-sizing programs

Benefits

Up to 10% Retirement Contribution; $600 per Year Wellness Incentive; Front-loaded Paid Time Off; Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (eligible first day of the month following hire date); 401k and profit sharing; Life insurance; Tuition reimbursement; Adoption assistance; Legal services insurance; Scholarship awards for children of employees; Summer picnic; Community giving events; Free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach