Senior Production Engineer - Surfactants

Now hiring! Senior Production Engineer - Surfactants

Geismar, LA (On-site)

We are looking for a Senior Production Engineer to join our Care Chemicals team in Geismar, LA. 

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF’s Care Chemicals division is a globally leading supplier to the cosmetics, detergents and cleaning industries. We also offer solutions for technical applications and crop protection. Together with our customers, we create innovative solutions to meet the current and future needs of society more sustainably. We contribute to the long-term success of our customers’ brands with a broad range of products and concepts via our global network of production and development site. 

This position is responsible for ensuring day-to-day plant operations run smoothly, with a strong focus on safety, process reliability, and regulatory compliance, while optimizing asset utilization and production efficiency. This role is key in driving continuous improvement, cross-shift standardization, and effective problem-solving to sustain high-performance operations.

As a Senior Production Engineer - Surfactants, you create chemistry by...

• Providing senior‑level technical and operational leadership to support day‑to‑day plant operations, ensuring safe execution of production plans in full compliance with BASF Process Safety standards, CGMP, and applicable environmental regulations (Title V, RCRA, HWC MACT).


• Acting as a technical authority and trusted advisor to Operations, leading complex troubleshooting efforts and guiding Daily Operations teams toward effective, sustainable solutions for process, production, quality, and EHS challenges.


• Driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve asset efficiency, optimize equipment cycle times, reduce waste, and sustain nameplate production capacity.


• Influencing cross‑shift standardization, cost optimization, and asset performance by working collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, and Asset Effectiveness teams to align priorities and maximize plant utilization.


• Owning and providing oversight for critical PSM/RMP/RCMS elements, including MOCs, PSSRs, interlock and bypass management, safe work permits, LOTO, confined space, hot work, and operational procedures, ensuring consistent application across the plant.


• Leading cross‑functional coordination and technical input for inspections, outages, capital projects, and investigations (RCA, NCM), partnering with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Regulatory teams to prevent repeat incidents and improve first‑pass quality.

If you...

• Hold a bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred) with experience (7 years preferred) in delivering technical expertise in a complex, chemical manufacturing or regulated production environment.


• Possess demonstrated track record of leading through influence, providing expert technical guidance, and partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS teams to achieve safe and reliable plant performance.


• Bring deep working knowledge of Process Safety Management and regulatory frameworks (PSM, RMP, RCMS, CGMP, Title V, RCRA, HWC MACT), with experience owning or overseeing critical compliance and operational elements.


• Hold strong production and operations background with the ability to independently support troubleshooting, batch reviews, root cause failure analysis, and investigations across Production, EHS, and Quality.


• Have proven continuous improvement capability, including practical application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive efficiency, waste reduction, asset utilization, and sustained nameplate performance.


• Are a highly-effective collaborator with strong attention to detail and communication skills, able to coordinate complex activities and influence priorities across cross‑functional teams without formal supervisory authority.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible


• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options


• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members


• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)


• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages


• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive


• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.


• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens


• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

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Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.