I am a non-degreed process engineer. Moved up from production labor to supervisor of a photolithography and chemical etch department and finally a process engineer due to all of the engineers leaving the department. I have been a key person in nearly every aspect of the company from other departments to quality and currently also manage hazardous waste for the entire company.
The position I'm in is very unique. I have been the only one in the 200+ company named as capable of knowing all processes within by executives and others. I'm the only person who understands the chemistry of the processes. The only person who has really any chemical knowledge. I work directly under a VP who knows nothing of what I do. I have proprietary and sole knowledge of various metallurgical and chemical aspects of the products produced. They did not hire anyone to be a backup for me and the industry is so small there is likely nobody else who actually has all of this knowledge in 1 person due to business security reason. Other companies in my industry(less than 8) usually have this knowledge spread across 4 or 5 people to avoid what my company has created.
I currently make 65k a year and I believe this is severely underpaid. Recently I reverse engineered products we can no longer purchase due to supply chain issues. Without these products we were looking at a full company shutdown. I have reformulated resins to produce much better adhesion and other factors. Without me I believe the company will tank and have been told so by others higher up the chain than I.
Really just looking for a raise but have always under sold myself and sort of have imposter syndrome. Looking for ways to have this conversation with my boss about a pay raise and would like some tips. I do have to say, I love what I do and look forward to work considering I'm in charge of the companies future here.
Thank you in advance to everyone who responds!