Instrument/Electrical Engineer

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, LLC; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, LLC is looking for an experienced Electrical Engineer in Carson, CA, to provide tactical support for instrumentation and power systems. This role includes troubleshooting operational issues, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring the reliability of electrical distribution systems.

The ideal candidate needs a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and at least 7 years of experience in I&E engineering. Strong skills in PLC programming and reliability methodologies are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in instrumentation or I&E engineering role.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
• Formal training in safety instrumented systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide tactical electrical engineering support.
• Assist in troubleshooting activities with I&E technicians.
• Ensure compliance of electrical distribution equipment.

Skills

I&E engineering skills

Knowledge of reliability methodology

Understanding of P&IDs and PFDs

Experience with PLC programming

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Job description

INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA is a leading manufacturer of petrochemical, specialty, and intermediate chemicals and polymers with facilities in Texas, California, and New Mexico. We invite an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our Maintenance and Engineering Team in Carson, CA.

Job Summary

The Electrical Engineer will provide tactical support for instrumentation and power systems, troubleshoot operational issues, develop reliability strategies, and collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Capital teams. This role works closely with I/E technicians, project managers, and external partners such as Southern California Edison.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tactical electrical engineering support to ensure safe and reliable operation for all instrumentation and power systems.
• Assist and lead instrumentation and electrical troubleshooting activities with I&E technicians.
• Actively participate in hazard and risk assessments, resolve process safety management (PSM) issues, and review engineering design packages issued by the engineering and capital projects team.
• Ensure technical integrity of projects, complying with scope, specifications, accepted engineering practices, and customer requirements.
• Direct maintenance, improvements, and usage efforts for existing power distribution (< 69 kV), switching, MCCs, VFDs, motors, UPS, and grounding systems.
• Ensure preventive maintenance (PM) compliance of electrical distribution equipment (EDS), review PM data, and create/maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain and manage equipment care plans for AC/DC motors, junction and terminal boxes, cabinets, cabling, instrumented input devices (switches, transmitters, probes), and output devices (control valves and components).
• Design and specify instrumentation and field analyzers, including analog, digital, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical types.
• Coordinate high‑voltage work and monitor transformer and substation performance.
• Interface and communicate non‑routine activities between operations, I&E craft technicians, and Southern California Edison.
• Manage small in‑house I&E projects by performing and supporting Management of Change (MOC), validating programming changes before implementation, verifying documentation changes (procedures, narratives, PMs), and supporting training as needed.
• Lead, drive, and assure that the Carson site Critical Equipment List is up‑to‑date, maintained, and documented in accordance with site procedures, PSM, and ISA requirements.
• Oversee larger projects with engineering and construction firms.
• Create and update documentation, including computerized databases, CAD drawings, single‑line diagrams, and schematics.
• Perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) following detailed design and troubleshooting guidelines and investigative techniques for system failures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an instrumentation or I&E engineering role.
• Engineer‑In‑Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
• Formal training in safety instrumented systems, including IEC 61511, ANSI/ISA 84.00.01‑2004, API RP 14C, API RP 556, and NFPA 85.
• Formal training in NFPA 70E.

Preferred Qualifications

• Petrochemical or manufacturing plant experience.
• Certification in relevant safety or instrumentation standards.
• Experience with capital and expense projects, observing site procedures and protocols.

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong I&E engineering skills with knowledge of reliability methodology.
• Plant‑level experience and understanding of P&IDs, PFDs, instrumentation loop drawings, and logic controller terminology.
• Knowledge of programmable electronic safety systems logic solvers and application programming.
• Experience designing and programming control and interlock systems.
• Ability to size and select instruments and control valves.
• Proficient with programmable logic controllers (PLC) and associated application programming.
• Background in instrument and control system reliability.
• Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines and contractors on project delivery.
• Self‑starter capable of individual and team work.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to deliver quality results on time.
• Knowledge of polypropylene manufacturing and process control (preferred).
• Understanding of cost/benefit analysis and budgeting.
• Effective oral and written communication skills; promotes open dialogue and active listening.
• Decision‑making skills, ability to manage change and multiple priorities.
• Commitment to SHE compliance and teamwork.

INEOS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected status.