Director, Operations – Chemical Engineering and Production Management

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## Company Description

Vorbeck is a technology firm specializing in advanced graphene applications and material solutions. Our innovations are utilized in a wide range of industries, from communications and electronic warfare to firefighting and aerospace. We manage the entire development cycle, beginning with proprietary material formulations and ending with seamless integration into end-use applications.

In general, we are looking for individuals to join the team who are:

– Innovative- curious, creative thinkers who are not afraid to try new things
– Determined- hardworking, motivated people who know that success does not come easily
– Leaders- people who want to grow, take on new responsibilities, and show the world what can be done
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## Job Description

As the Director of Operations – Chemical Engineering and Production Management, you will be responsible for designing, overseeing, and refining production processes. You will play a pivotal role in guiding the process development and quality control of advanced materials applications, including new materials products ranging from functional inks and coatings to firefighting foams. This is a hands-on leadership position where you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and achieve technical excellence. Management, chemical process design, plant construction, and operations management experience are essential.

– Production Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive production strategy and roadmap that aligns with the companys overall goals and vision.
– Process Scale-Up and Development: Research, design, and implement new production processes and the scale-up of existing production processes. Perform process modeling and simulations. Creating piping and instrumentation diagrams (PandID), operating instructions and standard operating procedures, and other documentation for production processes. Perform testing, installation, and commissioning of new and scaled-up production processes. Lead and identify strategies to enhance production efficiency.
– Project Management: Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. Define project scopes, deliverables, and success criteria.
– Team Leadership: Lead a team of engineers and operations team members. Provide training, mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to help the team members thrive in their roles.
– Production Management: Ensure routine calibration and troubleshooting of instruments and control systems. Oversee and assist with the installation, maintenance, and inspection of equipment and facilities. Meet production goals.
– Quality Control: Ensure product quality by implementing procedures, maintaining standards, and conducting inspections.
– Collaboration: Foster effective cross-functional collaboration with other departments including production development, finance, customer support, and business development. Support sales for meetings from an operations standpoint to achieve revenue targets and drive new business.
– Technology Evaluation: Evaluate current processes and develop improvements to safety, quality, and efficiency. Stay abreast of research and advancements in process technology and related fields. Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies and best practices to maintain a competitive edge.
– Risk Management: Identify potential technical challenges and risks and develop mitigation strategies to address them proactively. Perform risk assessments and failure modes and effect analyses (FMEA).
– Intellectual Property: Work with the legal team to protect the companys intellectual property through patent filings and other means.
– Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Lead a safe operating environment, Ensure environmental, health, and safety compliance. Ensure that all products and solutions meet relevant i dustry standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
– Other tasks may be required, including giving external technical presentations, technical support for proposals, etc.
– Travel (expected) 10%
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## Qualifications

Education

– Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. A Ph.D.would be an advantage.

Experience

– Minimum of 8 years experience working as a Chemical Engineer or a related field..

– 3 – 5 years of leadership/managerial experience

– Background in process scale-up, plant design, and manufacturing environments.

Skills and Abilities

– Strong work ethic and ability to work well individually and as part of a fast-paced team.

– Proven ability to design, build, commission, and operate production plants.

– Strong understanding of material science, process control and automation, and test/QC methodologies.

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– Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements in the commercial, aerospace, government, and defense sectors a plus.

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– Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards common goals.

– Innovative mindset with a track record of problem-solving and creative thinking.

– Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.

– Excellent presentation and verbal communication skills, and strong technical writing ability.

– Able to obtain or already possess a security clearance with the US DoD
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## Additional Information

Job Type:Full-time

Classification:Exempt

Physical Setting/work location:In-Office

Pay:$125,000, based on experience

Benefits include:

– Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

– 401(k) Program

– Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays

– Company-sponsored Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

– Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens.All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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