Technical Project Leader, Process Engineering

Kimberly-Clark

. Own scale-up and manufacturing capability required to process plant extract from bench and pilot concepts into reliable commercial operation .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $127,600 - $157,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and optimizing extraction and bioprocessing systems, with a strong focus on process design, scale-up, and project engineering. Capable of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Extraction Process TechnologiesProject Engineering ExperienceManufacturing TroubleshootingProcess Design and OptimizationTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Chemical EngineeringBiochemical EngineeringProcess DesignScale-Up TechniquesMass BalancesProcess ControlsRoot-Cause AnalysisQuality AssuranceSeparation TechnologiesTechnical Documentation

Soft Skills

Project LeadershipProblem SolvingInfluencing SkillsMentoringCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

ChromatographyEvaporationDrying TechnologiesMembrane SeparationAdsorption

Industry Keywords

BioprocessingNatural ProductsAgricultural ProcessingFood and BeverageSpecialty ChemicalsPlant-Derived Raw MaterialsCommercial StartupEHS RequirementsBioburden ControlProcess Hygiene

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own scale-up and manufacturing capability required to process plant extract from bench and pilot concepts into reliable commercial operation
Translate extract and ingredient requirements into process flows, unit operations, mass balances, equipment requirements, recovery targets, process controls, and operating concepts
Lead development, optimization, and scale-up of extraction and related process steps
Evaluate equipment and operating procedures for capacity, materials of construction, controls, safety systems, and performance
Convert laboratory learning into pilot and demonstration trials, scalable process parameters, sampling plans, and technical specifications
Develop process capabilities, operator practices, standard operating procedures, maintenance requirements, process controls, and performance-monitoring plans with Manufacturing
Lead contractors, equipment suppliers, fabricators, and technology partners through design, construction, installation, commissioning, startup, and performance improvement
Provide technical inputs, reviews, decisions, and documentation to meet project specifications, quality, schedule, cost, and safety requirements
Establish process specifications, critical process parameters, operating windows, acceptance criteria, and control strategies
Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, process trials, designed experiments, process capability studies, and manufacturing problem solving
Identify and mitigate technical, operational, quality, safety, schedule, and scale-up risks
Inspect and evaluate process equipment and fabrication activities, including factory acceptance and in-factory quality assurance
Support bioburden control, process hygiene, product quality, environmental, regulatory, and EHS requirements
Communicate project plans, technical findings, risks, decisions, and results to R&D, Manufacturing, senior leaders, suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders
Mentor and provide technical direction to engineers, scientists, operators, and project team members
Establish a technically credible and scalable process pathway, operating controls, sampling plans, documentation, and economically viable process capability within the first 12 to 18 months

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, biochemical engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline
Typically, 10 or more years of engineering or technical experience in manufacturing, agricultural processing, natural products, bioprocessing, specialty chemicals, food and beverage, or a related industry
Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and scaling complex manufacturing or bioprocessing systems
Strong understanding of extraction, clarification, purification, concentration, evaporation, drying, stabilization, and related process technologies
Project engineering experience, including equipment selection, process design, installation, commissioning, startup, and manufacturing troubleshooting
Experience reviewing equipment designs, fabrication quality, factory acceptance activities, process controls, operating procedures, and process capability
Ability to work effectively with contractors, equipment suppliers, operators, engineers, scientists, quality professionals, and senior leaders
Strong communication, technical writing, influencing, and project leadership skills
Ability to create structure in ambiguous situations, resolve problems, meet aggressive deadlines, and maintain momentum through complex project work
Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time
Employment subject to pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check
Preferred: sugar processing, agricultural processing, hemp processing, natural-product extraction, or similar bioprocessing industries
Preferred: plant-derived raw materials, variable feedstocks, seasonal materials, or first-of-kind processing systems
Preferred: resin, membrane, adsorption, chromatography, evaporation, drying, or other separation technologies
Preferred: experience with contractors, equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers, universities, industry consortiums, or technology providers
Preferred: bioburden control, process hygiene, product quality systems, commissioning, or commercial startup

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions
On-site fitness center
Occupational health nurse
Allowances for high-quality safety equipment
Flexible Savings and spending accounts
Income protection insurance options
Programs and support for continuing education
Adoption support
Relocation support
Temporary childcare support
Target bonus eligibility
401(k) and Profit Sharing plan
In-country relocation support for the chosen candidate
Flexible (hybrid) work arrangements