FEL Program Lead — Capital Projects

Ecoservices; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecovyst seeks a seasoned front-end loading (FEL) lead to guide FEL 1–3 deliverables and facilitate VIP workshops for capital projects. The role ensures project readiness, validating deliverables and estimates to pass gates for funding and progression.

The incumbent will coordinate across operations, facilities, and engineering teams, coaching engineers and project sponsors. Travel 10–25% to U.S. and Canadian sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience, including leadership of projects from FEL through startup in chemical, refining, petrochemical, or comparable facilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing FEL 1–3 deliverables within a stage-gate process.
• Experience facilitating or participating in VIPs or comparable structured workshops.
• Working knowledge of AACE estimate classes and PDRI requirements.
• Strong written communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage audiences from operators to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Guide project engineers in the development of FEL 1, FEL 2, and FEL 3 deliverables.
• Coach project teams in preparing bases of design, scope documents, PFDs and P&IDs, equipment lists, execution plans, schedules, and risk registers.
• Provide guidance on estimate development consistent with the appropriate AACE class at each gate, including contingency and basis-of-estimate documentation.
• Review gate packages before submission and conduct PDRI assessments, identifying gaps and defining corrective actions.
• Plan and facilitate VIP workshops at the appropriate FEL stage, including preparing pre-work materials and documenting outcomes.
• Support FEL gate reviews: plan and conduct FEL 1–3 gate reviews and ensure consistency across sites; evaluate gate packages.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Facilitation

Stage-gate knowledge

VIP workshops

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical/mechanical engineering or relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Project

PDRI

Job description

Ecovyst seeks a seasoned front-end loading (FEL) lead to guide FEL 1–3 deliverables and facilitate VIP workshops for capital projects. The role ensures project readiness, validating deliverables and estimates to pass gates for funding and progression.

The incumbent will coordinate across operations, facilities, and engineering teams, coaching engineers and project sponsors. Travel 10–25% to U.S. and Canadian sites is required.