Ethylene Process Control Engineer/Specialist (DCS)

OC2 Occidental Chemical Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem is seeking an experienced Ethylene Process Control Engineer/Specialist for the Ingleside Plant in Gregory, Texas. You will lead DCS/PLC control activities, troubleshoot systems, and ensure safe, compliant operations across the ethylene process.

Requirements include a chemical or electrical engineering degree and 5–10 years of hands-on DCS/PLC experience in a live plant. Proficiency with DeltaV and SAP is preferred; willingness to work weekends and respond to emergencies is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• 5–10 years of hands-on process control in an operating plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of DCS/PLC systems and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Protect environment and health and safety as top priority.
• Maintain procedures for DCS/PLCs in assigned area.
• Troubleshoot DCS and PLC systems and implement solutions.
• Configure, install, and maintain electronic instrument control systems.
• Monitor DCS operations and provide technical support.
• Oversee field installation and commissioning of DCS/PLC equipment.
• Develop action plans for DCS/PLC tasks.
• Define spare parts and preventive maintenance for DCS components.
• Document system status and coordinate training.
• Review DCS/PLC activities to ensure compliance.
• Arrange contract services for DCS/PLC programs.
• Conduct failure analyses and support design changes.
• Assist in training hourly personnel in operation and maintenance.
• Communicate concerns to supervision.
• Participate in testing and maintenance of emergency shutdown systems.
• Ensure Process Safety and Risk Management objectives daily.

Skills

DCS programming

PLC troubleshooting

DeltaV DCS

Instrumentation

Electrical engineering

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Electrical Engineering degree

HS Diploma

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

SAP

Job description

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. If you are ready to contribute, elevate your skills, and take ownership of your career, Oxychem offers the opportunity to make a difference every day. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. OxyChem’s products play an essential role in everyday life, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. OxyChem actively participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program, underscoring our commitment to safety. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. Visit oxychem.com for more information. In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well‑being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

We are looking for an experienced and self‑motivated individual to fill the position of Ethylene Process Control Engineer/Specialist with our Ingleside Plant located in Gregory, Texas.

Essential Job Duties:

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of ethylene customers and the communities in which products are operated and/or transported as the highest priority.
• Assist in maintaining procedures for the assigned operating area specific to DCS and PLCs.
• Troubleshoot DCS and PLC control systems and recommend and implement solutions to problem systems.
• Assist with configuration, installation, and maintenance of electronic microprocessor‑based instrument control systems, including long‑term historians and DCS control systems.
• Monitor facility DCS operations and performance, provide technical support and troubleshooting, and facilitate/execute the development of improvement programs.
• Oversee field construction, verification of proper installation, loop checks, and final commissioning of DCS/PLC equipment associated with maintenance or capital projects.
• Develop, update, and track action plans related to DCS/PLC tasks.
• Define spare parts and preventative maintenance requirements for DCS and related components.
• Communicate and maintain proper documentation related to DCS system status and changes, and coordinate/conduct personnel training as needed.
• Review facility DCS/PLC maintenance activities to ensure manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to all specifications, codes, and standards.
• Arrange contract services support for DCS/PLC program‑related activities as required.
• Conduct failure mode analyses to identify units posing excessive failure risks and support proposed design changes.
• Assist in training and coaching hourly personnel in DCS/PLC operation, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
• Communicate employee concerns related to DCS/PLC activities to appropriate supervision and management.
• Participate in establishing, developing, and implementing a program for testing and maintenance of the plant’s emergency shutdown systems and control systems in accordance with company guidelines, codes, and governmental regulations.
• Ensure Process Safety and Risk Management objectives are practiced daily through participation in Management of Change, Process Hazards Analysis, and Pre‑startup Safety Review responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• 5 - 10 years of hands‑on process control, DCS programming, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance experience in an operating plant environment.
• Ability to develop, analyze, and troubleshoot scripts and queries.
• High proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays and respond to callouts on a non‑routine basis.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders and stairs, walk, bend, and stoop.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including a respirator.
• Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Good working knowledge of SAP.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS is strongly required/preferred.
• Hands‑on experience maintaining and/or optimizing Advanced Process Control (APC) applications.

OxyChem, a producer of commodity chemicals with facilities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, is renowned for its commitment to safety, environmental protection, customer service and sustainability. OxyChem’s chemicals are vital to quality of life, with applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, commercial and residential development.