Electrical Engineer

Ascend Performance Materials; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials seeks an Electrical Reliability Engineer for the Chocolate Bayou M&R organization to lead reliability improvements for high and medium-voltage distribution equipment. You will drive PdM/PM programs, set strategic direction, and influence teams to implement best practices across the site.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong technical expertise, and collaboration with maintenance and reliability engineers to improve OEE and asset performance in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 5+ years of experience in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• CMRP or similar Reliability certification preferred.
• Experience with high/medium voltage switchgear, transformers, protective relay systems.

Responsibilities

• Own HV/MV PdM and PM programs and data analysis.
• Lead HV/MV technicians and provide training opportunities.
• Support infrastructure improvement plans including transformers and substations.
• Prepare switching notes and energy isolation plans for outages and maintenance.
• Respond to unplanned outages and support planned maintenance.

Skills

Electrical reliability

Leadership

Maintenance planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Five+ years in petrochemical industry

Tools

SAP

RCFA / FMEA

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers, and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a key member of the Chocolate Bayou M&R organization, the Electrical Reliability Engineer will have strategic responsibility for improving the reliability performance of electrical distribution equipment (480V to 138 kV). The continuous improvement of PdM, PM, and corrective maintenance practices for high and medium voltage distribution equipment is the core accountability for this role. The ideal candidate is a leader who exhibits high standards and expectations for excellence with a history of effectively and efficiently applying technical expertise and best practices in reliability engineering to plant opportunities. There is currently an opportunity to define an overall strategic approach for the high and medium voltage equipment, which will require the individual to set the direction and influence others to manage the program to the standards. The Chocolate Bayou Reliability Department is seeking a highly motivated, hands‑on candidate for the Electrical Reliability Engineer position. Reporting to the Senior Reliability Manager, this position offers a challenging environment with opportunities for growth in technical experience and personal development.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Ownership of long-term plan to support OEE and capacity improvements for distribution equipment, including capex requirements
• Develop a robust I&E Technician training program for knowledge enhancement and continuous skills improvement
• Develop and Implement PdM/PM strategies and benchmark Reliability & Maintenance Practices, including robust Bad Actor programs and critical equipment reliability strategies
• Support critical single points of failure projects and drive to completion
• Overall accountability for Asset Databases of site electrical equipment

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Expertise Experience with high, medium, and low voltage systems of various technologies
• Experience with electrical equipment and component failures and system faults
• Knowledge of applicable code requirements, including PSM, NFPA70E, NEC, and NESC
• Knowledge of applicable manufacturing and testing standards, including NEMA and NETA Expectations
• Support infrastructure improvement plans, including transformers, substations and electrical feeders
• Support capital projects through design assistance and installation/startup guidance
• Prepare and execute switching notes and energy isolation plans for unplanned electrical outages, planned maintenance, and project execution
• Respond to unplanned electrical outages
• Support production unit temporary and emergency electrical needs
• Leadership Overall accountability of HV/MV PdM & PM programs and analysis of data collected
• Provide technical expertise and leadership to high/medium voltage technicians
• Assist in identifying opportunities for training and development of high/medium voltage technicians

TEAM

Reports to: Sr. Reliability Manager

• No direct reports
• Works closely with maintenance & reliability engineers and technicians

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years in the chemical or petrochemical industry
• Understanding of continuous operations in a PSM-covered chemical plant
• CMRP or similar Reliability certification preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience with high/medium voltage switchgear, transformers, protective relay systems, and other electrical equipment
• Training and experience in RCFA and FMEA methodologies
• SAP experience desired

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

ABOUT US

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer‑lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

WHY WORK AT ASCEND?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward—aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

DEFINITION OF EQUALITY

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.