Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Brunel; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Client, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, seeks a senior process engineering leader to drive a portfolio of capital projects across process engineering, automation and instrumentation. You will lead cross-functional teams, ensure safe, reliable and efficient delivery from concept through commissioning, and align resources to maximize performance.

This hybrid role involves on-site collaboration at the Phoenix Collaboration Hub and travel up to 15% internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with 15 years in process engineering, controls or automation.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Experience delivering capital projects in mining, metals, oil & gas or chemical processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead project engineering outcomes across a portfolio of capital projects, providing technical leadership in Process Engineering, Process Automation and Instrumentation.
• Oversee the delivery lifecycle from concept and design through commissioning and ramp-up, ensuring targets are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and optimize resource allocation based on risk and development stage.
• Drive safety, reliability, and continuous improvement across project delivery.
• Define process control philosophies and oversee DCS/PLC/SCADA integration.
• Provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Skills

Process Engineering

Process Automation

Instrumentation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

Job description

At the Client, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and supports a culture built around strong core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their careers.

Where You Will Work

The Client’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and other functions from the main office, satellite offices or online.

As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at the Client’s Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of its site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration.

In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements.

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors, sports, concerts, technology and other big-city amenities. There are excellent neighborhoods throughout the Phoenix area, with easy access to nature, arts, entertainment and more.

What You Will Do

Lead project engineering outcomes across a portfolio of capital projects, providing technical leadership in Process Engineering, Process Automation and Instrumentation disciplines. Oversee the delivery lifecycle from concept and design through commissioning and operational ramp-up, ensuring projects achieve performance targets and reach nameplate capacity.

Coordinate and align cross-functional teams, strategically deploy technical talent to maximize project execution success, and foster collaboration across operations, project delivery teams and external engineering partners. Drive engineering consistency, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring safe, reliable and efficient project delivery.

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide Process Engineering, Automation and Instrumentation strategies that support business objectives and operational excellence.
• Prioritize project portfolio investments and strategically allocate engineering resources based on project risk, complexity and stage of development.
• Lead, coach and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration and timely decision-making.
• Provide oversight of process design activities, including flowsheets, mass and energy balances, while driving improvements in plant performance, recovery, throughput and efficiency.
• Lead Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and hazard assessment activities throughout engineering, construction, commissioning, start-up and operational phases.
• Establish continuous improvement processes that leverage operational feedback to optimize designs, enhance reliability and prevent recurring issues.
• Develop and standardize instrumentation strategies, ensuring effective specification, implementation, commissioning, start-up and operational readiness across projects.
• Define process control philosophies, oversee integration of DCS, PLC and SCADA systems, and champion advanced digital technologies, including APC and predictive analytics, through strong IT/OT partnerships.
• Provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements while achieving safety, cost, schedule and performance objectives.
• Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring to the Client

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline and fifteen (15) years of experience in process engineering, controls or automation within industrial environments such as mining, metals, oil & gas or chemical processing.
• Five (5) years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience supporting capital project delivery within relevant technical functions.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build and lead cross-functional teams where engineers report by process area rather than discipline.
• Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega-projects.
• Ability to operate effectively within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Deep expertise in process control systems, including DCS, PLC and SCADA, and instrumentation design.
• Experience with advanced process control, optimization and digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of process safety and risk management practices.
• Experience working with EPC/EPCM contractors on large-scale projects.
• Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega-projects.

What We Offer You

Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance.

Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration. Long-term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Client’s plan and award agreements. More details will be shared during the hiring process.

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match.
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for auto, home and pet.
• Internal progression opportunities.
• Competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

What We Require

The Client promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

This position requires working on-site approximately 50% of the time. Work will be performed from the Phoenix Collaboration Hub and at project/site locations.

Up to 15% international travel is required for this position, potentially for periods of at least two weeks at a time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.