Principal Process Engineer

Job Title: Principal Process Engineer

Job Family: Paligen Technologies

Location: Tampa, FL

Paligen Technologies is, at its core, an engineering firm dedicated to the advancement of novel manufacturing solutions in the commercial, defense, and aerospace industries. We are always looking for new ideas and people who are passionate about their craft. The Principal Process Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering aspects of complex projects from conception through completion.

This role will serve as the senior technical lead, overseeing design, development, and implementation of projects that ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

This role involves working closely with multi-disciplinary teams, acting as lead engineer on assigned programs, and providing the expertise to support the design, commissioning, and operation of high-risk processes while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the senior technical lead for projects involving energetic materials and propellant production.
• Develop, review, and approve engineering designs, specifications, and process documentation for manufacturing and facility systems.
• Support procurement by reviewing technical bids and vendor deliverables.
• Develop and review detailed engineering designs, specifications, and calculations.
• Manage risk identification, mitigation, and problem resolution related to engineering issues.
• Ensuring compliance with industry codes, standards, and company policies.

Project Management

• Lead and manage projects aimed at improving processes, introducing new technologies, or expanding capabilities related to energetic materials.
• Participating, leading, and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure project requirements, schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Plan, execute, and deliver complex modernization and capital improvement projects on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Act as the main technical point of contact between project management, clients, and contractors.
• Collaborating with Program Managers to align engineering efforts with overall project goals.

Training and Development

• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Training on processes and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline).
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 5 years in process engineering leadership roles within the chemical, explosives, or energetic materials industry.
• Expert knowledge of process design, optimization, and control.
• Proficiency with engineering software (AutoCAD, Aspen HYSYS, process simulation tools) and project management and risk management software.
• Proven track record of managing complex modernization or capital projects in a chemical, defense, or aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the design, construction, and commissioning of modern chemical manufacturing facilities to include equipment selection, process control system architecture and functionality verification, Hazard Analyses (i.e. PHA, LOPA, etc.), P&ID development/review, environmental systems, and equipment commissioning activities.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM, PHA, and other safety protocols.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Deep knowledge of process design, safety standards, and regulations relevant to explosives and energetic materials (e.g., NFPA 70, 495, DOD 4145.26M, DESR 6055.09, ATF regulations, OSHA PSM 29 CFR 1910.119).
• Safety certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or OSHA 30-hour.

Other Requirements

• Travel: ~20%, including international travel.
• Work Environment: This position involves work in both office and manufacturing settings, including exposure to energetic materials. Strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
• Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US Person: Required.

Paligen Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value the unique skills and capabilities that our team members bring to our mission. We make all hiring and employment decisions based solely on individual qualifications, merit, and business needs. We strictly prohibit discrimination, ensuring a fair and objective selection process for all applicants.