Associate Control Systems Engineer

Motiva Enterprises LLC; Port Arthur (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Motiva Enterprises LLC in Port Arthur, TX is seeking an Associate Control Systems Engineer to join the Advanced Process Control and Data Analytics team.

You will help design, implement, and maintain process control applications, support APC uptime, and work with senior engineers to optimize unit performance.

This role offers hands-on experience in real-time optimization, APC constraints, and data analytics within a safe, collaborative refinery environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering by December 2026 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex technical information to stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to improve unit performance.
• 1-3 years of process or control engineering experience (preferred).
• Experience with advanced process control, process modeling, optimization and data analytic tools (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining process control applications.
• Maintain Advanced Control application uptime for assigned units.
• Review APC constraints with the Production team.
• Address Production team concerns related to APC performance and effectiveness.
• Provide day-to-day APC support to console operators and operations personnel.
• Lead the MOC process for APC modifications and new APC implementations within the assigned area.
• Identify instrumentation and control valve issues that impact APC performance and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain base-layer control loop performance that supports APC applications.
• Contribute to new application design and execution.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and operators while participating in training and continuous learning programs.
• Track and report APC performance metrics, including controller uptime and benefits.
• Support new APC projects or revamp with coverage for step test or application commissioning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

At Motiva, our employees’ energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees’ lives because, at Motiva, our people matter. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva refines, distributes and markets petroleum products throughout the Americas. The company’s Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex in Port Arthur, TX, is comprised of North America’s largest refinery with a total throughput of 720,000 barrels per day, the largest base oil plant in the western hemisphere, and an integrated chemical plant. Under exclusive long-term brand licenses with Shell and Phillips 66 (for the 76® brand), Motiva’s commercial operations supply more than 12 billion gallons of fuel to customers annually. Motiva is wholly owned by Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies.

Position Overview

Motiva is seeking an Associate Control Systems Engineer to join the Advanced Process Control and Data Analytics team at our Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex. This role supports the design, implementation, and maintenance of process control and data analytics applications. This role offers the opportunity to develop hands‑on experience in process control, real‑time optimization and data analytics while contributing to safe, reliable, and efficient production. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of experienced engineers to support and troubleshoot existing process control applications and support implementation of new controls and optimization projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining process control applications.
• Maintain Advanced Control application uptime for assigned units.
• Review Advanced Process control (APC) constraints with the Production team.
• Address Production team concerns related to APC performance and effectiveness.
• Provide day‑to‑day APC support to console operators and operations personnel.
• Lead the Management of Change (MOC) process for APC modifications and new APC implementations within the assigned area.
• Identify instrumentation and control valve issues that negatively impact APC performance, reliability, or uptime, and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain base‑layer control loop performance that supports APC applications.
• Contribute to new application design and execution.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and operators while participating in training and continuous learning programs.
• Track and report APC performance metrics, including controller uptime, benefits, and other key indicators.
• Support new APC project or revamp with providing coverage for step test, or application commissioning.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering by December 2026 Cumulative 3.0 GPA, or higher
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrates a strong interest and aptitude for learning control and optimization concepts to improve unit performance
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex technical information to stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams to solve problems and improve unit performance

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of process or control engineering experience in refinery or petrochemical units
• Experience with advanced process control, process modeling, optimization and data analytic tools commonly used in refinery and petrochemical units.

Physical Requirements

• Due to safety sensitive nature of job, must pass annual respirator fit testing
• Move up to 40 pounds by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects
• Ability to reach all work areas in the plant (i.e. climb ladders, negotiate catwalks, handle heights to 50 feet, etc.)
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas (respirator, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, heeled boots, and hearing protection)

We reserve the right to amend or withdraw Motiva jobs at any time, including prior to the closing date. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or grade. Applicants for regular U.S. positions must be authorized to work in the United States for Motiva Enterprises LLC without the need for sponsorship of an immigration authorization or visa (for example, TN, H-1B, or other employment‑based immigration authorization or visa). Motiva participates in E‑Verify.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

At Motiva, our employees’ energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees’ lives because, at Motiva, our people matter.