Instrumentation & Electrical Engineer

Trecora; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Trecora in Pasadena, TX is seeking an Instrumentation & Electrical Engineer to ensure reliability for unit instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems. The role emphasizes long-term reliability improvements and leadership in RCA, RCFA, and MOC processes.

The engineer will lead investigations, participate in PHA and audits, and collaborate with operations to prioritize repairs. A BS in Electrical Engineering and 10+ years in related industries are required.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in petrochemical, refining, or related industrial setting supporting maintenance or reliability.
• Strong background in instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems.
• Knowledge of reliability engineering principles and assessment methods.
• Experience with DP, radar, Coriolis, pH/conductivity troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with SIS management and safety codes is required.
• Experience with OEMs and selecting instrumentation equipment.
• Experience with CMMS and reliability-focused maintenance.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of API, ISA, NFPA standards relevant to instrumentation and electrical safety.

Responsibilities

• Ensure instrumentation and electrical systems meet reliability targets.
• Lead reliability investigations and apply RCA and corrective actions.
• Participate in PHA, ISO 9000 audits, and site/corporate audits.
• Develop action plans to reduce losses and improve reliability.
• Align maintenance work with reliability and OEE priorities.
• Collaborate with operations to prioritize repairs affecting reliability.
• Create and deliver training to build technical capabilities.
• Share best practices with the site Reliability team.
• Identify programs to improve instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Provide oversight for instrument care plans and PM programs.

Skills

Instrumentation systems

Low voltage electrical

Reliability engineering

FMEA/RCA

RCM/predictive maintenance

DCS/sensors

CMMS

SIS management

Troubleshooting electrical

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Electrical codes knowledge

API/ISA/NFPA standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Emerson

Honeywell

DeltaV

Triconex

Woodward

CMMS software

Job description

Description

The Instrumentation & Electrical Engineer is responsible for ensuring compliance with reliability program requirements for unit instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements to reduce losses resulting from instrumentation and low voltage electrical system failures. This role primarily focuses on long-term strategic reliability.

The Instrumentation & Electrical Engineer is responsible for ensuring compliance with reliability program requirements for unit instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements to reduce losses resulting from instrumentation and low voltage electrical system failures. This role primarily focuses on long-term strategic reliability.

Responsibilities

• Ensure instrumentation and electrical systems are reliable and performance is aligned with site and unit reliability targets.
• Support unit MOC process, including Reliability approval of new or modified instrumentation and electrical system designs and changes to instrument system care plans.
• Lead reliability investigations for significant instrumentation and electrical system failures, including proper application of RCA process and corrective action plans.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), ISO 9000 audits, site/corporate audits.
• Develop action plans to achieve results, including recommendations to resolve emerging issues as part of the “Bad Actor” Process involving instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Support appropriate OEE classification of losses associated with instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Collaborate with Operations to understand and set priority for instrument and electrical system repairs impacting reliability.
• Build strategy around instrument and electrical system training and knowledge support; Creates and delivers training to develop the technical capabilities of the reliability, maintenance, and operations team.
• Network with site Reliability team to share best practices.
• Identify programs and initiatives around instrumentation and electrical systems to drive reliability improvements.
• Provides oversight for instrument and electrical care plan development, and compliance with PM program requirements.
• Provide technical review of engineering projects; works with OEMs, unit and project teams on specification and selection of new instrumentation and electrical equipment.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years experience in petrochemical, refining, or related industrial manufacturing setting supporting maintenance and/or reliability.
• Technical expertise: Strong technical background in instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems, as well as a solid understanding of reliability engineering principles
• This includes a depth of knowledge of various instruments and low voltage electrical equipment used in industrial settings for process measurement/monitoring and control, including DCS, sensors, transmitters, control valves, motor controls.
• Strong history of troubleshooting DP, radars, Coriolis, pH/conductivity
• Experience with Emerson, Honeywell, Delta V, Triconex, Woodward products is a plus.
• Experience with CMMS programs.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes, such as API, ISA, & NFPA.
• Proficiency in Safety Instrumented System (SIS) management
• Reliability Engineering Knowledge: Skilled in conducting reliability assessments, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and root cause analysis (RCA) to identify and mitigate potential equipment failures. Experience with reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methodologies and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Problem Solving skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for this role, demonstrated history of supporting troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation issues.
• Communication and collaboration: Excellent communication skills are necessary; frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and engineering. The ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders is also important. Mentoring to junior engineers/specialist is an important part of this role.
• Safety: Commitment to safety and following applicable regulations and standards is essential. This includes knowledge of electrical codes, hazards, lockout/tagout procedures, and other safety protocols.
• Continuous improvement mindset: Willingness to continuously learn and improve is essential. Proactive in identifying opportunities for system optimization, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement is highly valued. This includes staying updated on the latest technological advancements and industry best practices to optimize system performance and minimize downtime.