Henkel’s Jessica Ramos discusses the evolving nature of her role at the chemical and consumer goods company.
Jessica Ramos is a process engineer at Henkel’s pilot plant in Dublin and is responsible for supporting the scale-up and optimisation of processes from R&D, through to production, as well as scale-downs and troubleshooting activities from production.
“I work closely with cross-functional teams,” she said “My role involves troubleshooting, running trials, supporting CA batches and leading a range of projects, including process improvements, environmental initiatives and the implementation of new technologies.
“I also focus on ensuring safe and efficient process development. I enjoy the dynamic nature of the job and the problem-solving challenges it brings.”
As such, she finds the role she inhabits to demand constant cross-collaboration, communication and cross-functionality.
If there is such a thing, can you describe a typical day at work?
There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day in my role, but there is a general structure. I usually start by reviewing priorities for the day, checking emails and meeting timetables, project updates and any ongoing plant or lab activities on a weekly schedule. From there, I align my tasks based on urgency, whether that is supporting trials or runs, troubleshooting issues, or progressing project work.
A big part of my day involves interacting with different people and teams from operations, engineering, R&D and contractors. There is a lot of communication, coordination and planning involved. Depending on the phase of a project, I might be in between the pilot plant, in my office or in meetings, analysing data, or working on process improvements and documentation.
I manage my workload by breaking projects into smaller tasks and prioritising based on timelines and impact. Things can change quickly, especially when issues come up, so flexibility is important. That is actually something I really like about my job. Every day can be different, and I enjoy the problem-solving aspect. I usually finish the day by reviewing what has been completed and setting priorities for the next day, especially if there are ongoing operations, trials, batches or runs and contractors coming on-site.
What types of engineering projects do you work on?
I work on a range of different projects, mainly focused on scaling processes from R&D up to the pilot plant and eventually production, as well as supporting scale-down activities.
This includes running trials, optimising process conditions, troubleshooting issues and improving safety and efficiency. I’m also involved in process improvement, environmental initiatives, and the introduction of new technologies.
One project I have particularly enjoyed is the PUMA project. PUMA resins are polyurethane resins containing TDI and MDI, which are hazardous compounds, so safety is a key focus. I have been involved in HAZOPs and risk assessments and I have supported the design and implementation of the project in the pilot plant. I have been part of the project since October 2024, working closely with cross-functional teams including ACM, SHE, external partners, technicians and process safety.
My role has also involved engaging with other Henkel sites, such as Puerto Rico, Ballyfermot and China, to understand the process and critical production steps and helping define equipment requirements and formulations for the pilot plant. It has been a great opportunity for the pilot plant in terms of innovation and introducing new technology and addition of the 50l research vessel. For me personally, it has been very rewarding and I have learned a lot about project management and how to effectively align engineering and chemistry.
What engineering skills do you use on a daily basis?
I use a mix of technical and soft chemical engineering skills on a daily basis. From a technical perspective, this includes process understanding, data analysis, P&ID analysis, troubleshooting and applying process safety principles, especially when working with hazardous materials such as CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction), toxic, flammable substances. I also regularly review and interpret data to optimise processes and support decision-making.
Communication and collaboration are also key parts of the role. I work closely with pilot plant technicians, other departments and sites, so being able to clearly explain technical concepts and align with different teams is really important.
One skill I didn’t fully expect to use as much is adaptability and quick acting. Things don’t always go as planned in the pilot plant, so being able to think and respond to issues in real time is essential. I have also developed stronger project management skills than I initially expected, especially when coordinating across multiple teams and keeping projects on track.
What are the hardest parts of engineering and how do you navigate them?
One of the hardest parts is dealing with uncertainty, as things don’t always go as planned. I manage this by staying flexible and focusing on problem-solving.
Communication can also be challenging, especially when working with different teams, so I make an effort to keep things clear and simple.
Managing multiple projects at once can be busy, but I prioritise tasks and stay organised to keep everything on track. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important to me. I find that managing my time effectively, setting realistic priorities and taking time to recharge helps me stay focused, productive and able to perform consistently, especially during busy periods.
What skills and tools are you using to communicate daily with your colleagues?
I use a mix of communication skills and digital tools in my day-to-day work. Clear and simple communication is key, especially when discussing technical topics with different teams.
In terms of tools, I mainly use email, Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint to share updates, track actions and document work. Meetings and calls also play an important role in staying aligned. On the social side, quick chats on Teams and informal conversations in the pilot plant, my office or technician office help build good relationships and keep communication open.
How has this role changed as the engineering sector has grown and evolved?
The role has become more focused on safety, sustainability and digitalisation. There’s a stronger emphasis now on working with hazardous materials safely, improving environmental impact and using data or AI to support decisions and trials or batches. There’s also more collaboration across sites and departments, so communication and teamwork are even more important than before. Overall, the role has become more dynamic, with a greater focus on innovation and efficiency.
What do you enjoy most about working as an engineer?
What I enjoy most is the problem-solving aspect of the role. Every day can be different and I like the challenge of finding solutions, especially when things don’t go as planned. I also enjoy seeing a process or project develop from early stages through to a successful implementation. It’s very rewarding to know your work has a real impact. On top of that, working with different teams and people makes the job really interesting and keeps it dynamic.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in engineering?
Stay curious and keep learning. Don’t be afraid of challenges. That’s where you grow the most.
Focus on building problem-solving and communication skills and try to get as much hands-on experience as possible, as it really helps you understand how things work in practice and builds confidence. Student programmes and work experience in companies make a huge difference in getting exposure to the field.
Also, try to find a good mentor. Learning from someone who can guide and support your path can really help your development.
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