The Director of Engineering, Thermoplastics manages strategic engineering and construction activities for large, complex capital projects valued at $50+ MM for continuous manufacturing processes and production sites. This multifunctional role oversees strategic manufacturing engineering projects, automation, and process innovations across the US. The Director of Engineering, Thermoplastics is accountable for managing projects from initiation to completion, including overall project and engineering scope, design, construction management, and delivery against established project goals for budget, schedule, and quality. We are looking for a passionate leader who can deliver engineering excellence and provide mentorship to projects, teams, and direct reports.
The Role:
• Develop engineering and project objectives, project plans, and budgets in alignment with the company strategy for projects such as new production plants, new production lines, and process upgrades. Provide key inputs to Masterplans and make strategic decisions that affect the functional engineering and manufacturing areas of responsibility.
• Ensure technical stewardship of engineering activities. Drive quality standards for products and processes by developing effective engineering solutions that provide long-term sustainable value.
• Capability to drive decisions with the ability to present proposals effectively to senior management as well as plant personnel.
• Ability to balance technical proficiencies with business perspectives. Industrial Planning and Design, including Process Optimization
• Direct internal and external resources to produce deliverables on schedule and within budget while monitoring and reporting progress and performance.
• Build trusting relationships in project teams and ensure effective technical coordination with stakeholders, customers, and third-party representatives. Empower project teams to meet critical goals.
• Conduct risk assessments with the project team and identify any special requirements associated with the project. Develop and execute a test plan to validate compliance with such requirements.
• Work with EH&S experts to ensure projects comply with company policies and regulatory requirements, including obtaining applicable permits required for project execution.
The ideal candidate:
• Education: BS degree in Engineering (Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical preferred) or related technical discipline.
• 10 years of relevant professional experience in chemical manufacturing, including experience with automation and control systems.
• Proven track record in the management of engineering activities in chemical process plants, preferably construction chemicals (concrete polymers, cementitious systems, coatings, adhesives, and membranes). Experience in Industrial Planning and Design, including Process Optimization
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and guidelines. Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation.
• Proficient in project leadership and methodology, including budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, process design and validation, risk and change management. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required. Six Sigma Certification is a benefit.
• Hands-on problem-solving and organizational skills. Able to analyze and dissect complex problems, identify technical and business risks, and lead teams and individuals in constructively seeking options.
• Capability to drive decisions with the ability to present proposals effectively to senior management as well as plant personnel.
• Ability to balance technical proficiencies with business perspectives. Industrial Planning and Design, including Process Optimization
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with teams and departments such as Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Procurement, Marketing, Sales, as well as suppliers towards a common goal.
• Management experience in training, directing, and motivating others.
• Familiarity with commercial software for project management (examples: MS Project, Smartsheet), design and process flow (AUTOCAD, Visio, or similar), and statistical analysis (Minitab, SigmaZone). SAP knowledge is a benefit.
• Preferred location for the position is Sealy, TX, or in proximity to a Sika site. This position can be remote. Domestic travel required.
Perks & Benefits
• 401k with Generous Company Match
• Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays
• Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Education Assistance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!
Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility
Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.
We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.