Process & Project Engineer

Par Pacific; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a results-driven Process & Project Engineer to join our refinery team in a high-impact role that combines technical leadership with project execution. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growth-focused energy company by supporting the integrity and performance of refinery assets while advancing long-term reliability, safety, and operational excellence.

This role offers a dynamic blend of process engineering and project management responsibilities, with a strong focus on fixed equipment systems and unit operations. As an Engineer, you will develop, maintain, and apply subject matter expertise across areas such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping, pressure relief devices (PRDs), pumps, valves, tanks, fitness-for-service (FFS) analysis, process chemistry, corrosion and materials, and overall refinery operations. You will act as a technical expert and strategic partner to Operations, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams, driving solutions to complex reliability challenges, supporting capital and expense projects, and leading key refinery improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer with a strong working knowledge of ASME and API codes, a deep understanding of corrosion mechanisms and materials science, and a proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving. This is a high-visibility role well-suited for professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments, excel in cross-disciplinary collaboration, and are motivated by innovation and continuous improvement.

Key activities include:

1. Provide technical support for fixed equipment and process units across refinery operating areas.
2. Develop economically sound repair vs. replacement recommendations to support reliable decision-making.
3. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of fixed equipment reliability strategies.
4. Own and enhance assigned fixed equipment standards, ensuring alignment with current industry best practices.
5. Lead or provide subject matter expertise in Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) investigations.
6. Stay informed on emerging technologies, materials, and industry trends through active engagement in professional organizations.
7. Mentor and support junior engineers by overseeing tactical plan execution and fostering technical growth.
8. Ensure the technical feasibility of catalyst selection, catalyst changeout planning, and vessel readiness verification.
9. Drive strategic and long-term refinery improvements through technical leadership and innovative problem-solving.
10. Provide oversight for risk management planning to ensure alignment with corporate processes and compliance standards.
11. Develop and implement structured troubleshooting methodologies in collaboration with engineering teams during unit upsets or outages.
12. Support turnaround planning and execution, ensuring adherence to technical functional milestones and reliability goals.
13. Provide technical support to key refinery departments, including Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, and Safety.
14. Identify, evaluate, and develop refinery improvement projects with clear economic justifications and risk assessments.
15. Manage and execute all phases of engineering projects—from conceptual studies and process design to cost estimating, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and startup.
16. Oversee and direct both in-house and contract engineering resources to ensure timely and efficient project delivery.
17. Administer and manage assigned refinery engineering and inspection programs in accordance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.
18. Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and ensure compliance with Management of Change (MOC) procedures for all project-related modifications.
19. Monitor process unit performance, identify deviations from strategic operating targets, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
20. Develop and prepare detailed engineering specifications for piping, instrumentation, equipment, construction scopes, and bid packages.
21. Support the deployment and sustainment of advanced control systems to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
22. Develop project justifications using sound economic analysis tools, including internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and risk evaluation.
23. Act as a technical leader on cross-functional teams, providing engineering judgment and approving design decisions.
24. Represent Engineering in Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), Process Safety Reviews, or other technical audits as required.
25. Champion environmental compliance and support refinery emissions reduction initiatives through targeted process improvements.
26. Integrate health, safety, and environmental considerations into all engineering recommendations and project execution plans.

Qualifications:

To be considered for this role, candidates must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or sponsorship.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Petroleum Engineering required.
2. Minimum of three years of engineering experience in the refining industry required.
3. Proficiency in pressure vessels, piping, heat exchangers, fired equipment, valves, and pressure relief devices.
4. Demonstrated experience applying ASME, API, and NBIC codes for the design, evaluation, repair, and alteration of fixed equipment.
5. Expertise in ASME B31.3 and ASME Section VIII, Division 1 standards.
6. Working knowledge of refinery corrosion mechanisms, metallurgy, and materials selection.
7. Ability to climb ladders and stairs, work at elevated heights, and enter confined spaces.
8. Capability to physically enter process vessels (e.g., towers, drums, reactors) for internal inspection.
9. Frequent walking, standing, crouching, and climbing in field and operational environments.
10. Willingness to provide off-hours support during abnormal operations, outages, or turnarounds.
11. Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
12. Vision to 20/40 or better with our without correction, depth perception, full field, and able to distinguish colors.
13. Exposure to environmental elements such as heat, noise, vibration, and fumes.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must maintain a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record throughout employment.
3. Flexibility to work overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays during turnarounds and outages.
4. Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
6. Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multifunctional teams.
7. Ability to make timely and informed decisions under pressure.
8. Personal protective equipment required: safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, Nomex, and respirator.

About Us:

At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically-complex markets. We have built a team of oil and gas industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem-solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.

Par Pacific is an equal opportunity employer:

Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.