We create chemistry but we are much more than a chemistry company: We’re engineers, scientists, technical experts and logistics specialist. We have 100 years of experience, a global network and a great passion for chemistry that comes from the heart. This is how we make sure that our plastics drive the cars of tomorrow, that our emulsions make interior paints even more eco-friendly and that our sweeteners reduce sugar also in your food products. Headquartered in Dallas (Texas) our global network includes around 7,700 employees, more than 80 locations in 20 countries with 3 global service centers: Budapest, Nanjing, Irving.

Around 130 employees and contractors work at the Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES) plant in Newport, South Wales. AES has the capacity to produce over 100,000 tonnes of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) annually which are marketed under the trademark Santoprene.

TPEs are products that perform like rubber but can be processed with the speed, efficiency and economy of thermoplastics. In addition to simpler processing, the principal advantages of TPEs include easy recycling, closer control of dimensions and improved product quality vs thermoset rubber.

Around 60% of Santoprene sales are to the automotive industry where it is used on car weather seals, under-bonnet applications and for interior parts. The versatile product is used by the construction industry, and for consumer goods such as flexible toothbrushes and grips for kitchen utensils. Santoprene is also used to make parts of medical devices such as vacutainers to take blood samples.

Industrial Placement Student

Celanese Corporation is a global chemical leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use the full breadth of Celanese's global chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation. Based in Dallas, Celanese employs approximately 7,700 employees worldwide and had 2020 net sales of $5.7 billion.

We are looking for two Industrial Placement Students (IPS) to join the Advanced Elastomer Systems plant. Our 13 month placement provides a valuable experience of what it's like to work at Celanese in Newport, with real responsibilities as well as bespoke improvement projects to provide personal professional development. The scheme is designed such that you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice and gain unique industry experience. IPS are seen as a pipeline for graduate engineers at Newport! We embrace fresh ideas and are always looking to improve plant reliability and the work processes behind it.

You'll be based within either the technical team as a Contact Engineer (typically a chemical engineer) or within the maintenance team as a Maintenance Analyst (typically a mechanical or electrical engineer).

As a contact engineer you will:

• Lead and support process investigations across multiple areas including safety, quality, customer feedback and reliability
• Lead improvement/efficiency projects across multiple areas including supply chain, operations and quality
• Participate in the site Alarm Management program to improve safety, quality and reliability
• Provide Capital Project support, including commissioning and troubleshooting
• Use data analytical and IT skills to develop or improve process monitoring and optimisation tools

As a maintenance analyst you will:

• Develop maintenance strategies through data analysis to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Measure and monitor performance of mechanical components
• Developing reporting tools for site management on maintenance KPIs
• Assist the annual maintenance plan development
• Own an improvement project. For example, the previous Maintenance Analyst identified significant improvements to our cooling water valves design and operation

What you need:

• You must be an undergraduate student studying for an engineering degree for the duration of the placement.
• You must be on track to achieve at least a 2:1 bachelor’s or preferably master’s degree in engineering.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Have strong IT skills
• Be enthusiastic and determined to succeed
• Be self-motivated to meet deadlines.
• Be humble and able to ask for guidance when unsure
• Have an inquisitive nature

What is desirable:

• Extra curricula activities / hobbies that have contributed to self-development
• Prior work experience, particularly with an engineering focus
• Positions of responsibilities within clubs or committees or within team based project work
• Evidence of a practical nature and ability to work as a team!

If you're interested in working within the dynamic chemicals manufacturing industry, or looking to make a difference to our operational excellence then look no further.

Please note;

• The closing date for applications is the 7^th March 2022
• The salary for an IPS is £28,000 per year  
• The IPS holiday allowance is 25 days per year
• The starting date for this year’s intake is 4^th July 2022.
• Flexible working is part of the way we work at Newport. We have a core hours policy whether working onsite or at home. You can discuss the best approach with your supervisor depending on individual circumstances.

About the company

In the past one hundred years, Celanese has transformed into a global technology and specialty materials company with leading businesses in key geographic regions. With a focus on safety, innovation, productivity, performance and results, our company is positioned to achieve significant future growth and deliver exceptional results for all stakeholders.

While we call Dallas, Texas home for our headquarters, we have approximately 7,500 employees working to serve our customers around the world. From Dallas to Amsterdam to Shanghai, we manage a global network of commercial offices, technical centers, and twenty-seven production facilities and additional strategic affiliate production facilities.

For more information, visit https://www.celanese.com/