Maleic Technical Engineer

Job Description:

Maleic Technical Engineer

Huntsman is seeking a Maleic Technical Engineer supporting the Performance Products Division located in Geismar, Louisiana. This position will report to the Maleic Unit Manager.

The overall purpose of this role is to understand and analyze the key technical and operational aspects of the Maleic Anhydride unit, ensuring its optimal integration within the Geismar site. The position focuses on maximizing safety and reliability while minimizing operational, maintenance, and turnaround costs.

This role serves as the Huntsman Performance Products (HPP) advocate representing the Maleic unit within the broader Geismar site decision-making framework.

• Maximize reliability and cost-efficiency of the Geismar Maleic Anhydride unit by understanding all cost elements and developing strategies to reduce costs without compromising availability or reliability.

• Maintain the optimal balance between operating efficiency, reliability, and maintenance spending (from minor interventions to major turnarounds).

• Distinguish between safety and reliability "non-negotiables" and discretionary risks.

• Conduct detailed turnaround analysis (tasks, purpose, frequency, resources, and cost) and develop optimized turnaround programs.

• Update and document the Maleic unit cost structure (fixed and variable costs), analyze five-year spending trends, and recommend cost-saving initiatives.

• Identify and evaluate cost drivers and update cost models accordingly.

• Compare operational and maintenance practices between Pensacola and Geismar Maleic units, identify gaps, and recommend best practices.

• Benchmark performance against high-performing internal and external units.

• Lead reliability and cost-improvement projects and initiatives.

• Collaborate with the Huntsman Center of Excellence and other technical experts.

• Use strong influence and relationship-building skills to drive change across the site.

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in the United States.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing or chemical processing environment.

• Demonstrated understanding of process design, unit operations, equipment mechanical systems, and turnaround management, and how these integrate to support sound operational and financial decisions.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including raw material handling and qualification, production processes, process controls, quality control, and cost accounting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to balance technical decision-making with cost and business impact considerations.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

• Relationship-building and trust development capabilities with operations, maintenance, environmental, accounting, and leadership teams.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with plant historian tools.

• Experience in Maleic Anhydride or similar chemical production units.

• Experience benchmarking operations across multiple sites.

• Prior experience leading turnaround optimization or reliability improvement programs.

This role is based at the Geismar manufacturing site and requires working in a chemical plant environment. The position may involve:

• Regular interaction with operating units and field equipment.

• Participation in turnaround planning and execution activities.

• Exposure to industrial environments requiring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

• Collaboration with cross-functional technical and operations teams onsite.

Additional Locations: