Mechanical Engineer

Westlake Chemical; New Martinsville (WV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to coordinate, troubleshoot, direct and supervise the Maintenance department's daily work, ensuring preventive maintenance, emergency repairs and job orders are completed efficiently.

The role emphasizes leading the OEE team, tackling capital projects, and applying FMEA/RCFA techniques to improve reliability, with strong collaboration across departments and a focus on safety and process optimization in a chemical manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering.
• 5–10 years of reliability engineering experience in a chemical manufacturing facility.
• Ability to lead strategic programs and address short-term operational issues.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• RCFA (Root Cause Failure Analysis).
• Predictive techniques for fixed and rotating equipment (e.g., vibration analysis, oil analysis, nondestructive testing, thermography).
• Familiarity with piping systems, ASME and API codes, rotating equipment, and PSM systems.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, troubleshoot, direct and supervise the Maintenance department.
• Organize, assign, and supervise preventive maintenance, emergency repairs and job orders daily.
• Lead department OEE team and report KPI results monthly.
• Collaborate with other departments to determine mechanical maintenance and project needs.
• Plan and install new/improved mechanical equipment to enhance production performance.
• Develop and execute capital projects and prepare cost estimates for management review.

Skills

Reliability engineering

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Team leadership

Project coordination

Downtime reduction

Education

BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

The main function of the Mechanical Engineer is to coordinate, troubleshoot, direct and supervise the work effort within their area of the Maintenance department. Also responsible for organizing, assigning, expediting and supervising the implementation of preventive maintenance, emergency repairs and job order requests on a daily basis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Incumbent will work closely with other departments in determining mechanical maintenance and project needs for all plant facilities
• Plan and install new and improved mechanical equipment that will increase the efficiency and performance of plant production processes
• Report project/work order costs monthly and general equipment in SAP
• Coordinate the scheduling of projects to fit the sequence of downtime, materials and manpower requirements
• Prepare cost estimates and economic justification for projects or capital authorizations for management evaluation
• Develop and execute capital projects.
• Investigate job order requests to determine the extent and importance of the job and act accordingly
• May be responsible for initiating and/or improving the utilization of preventive maintenance programs to aid in the reduction of downtime and loss of production
• Troubleshoot and debug as need arises
• This role includes leading department Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) team and monthly report out in departmental KPI meeting
• Actively participate in department Tier II meetings

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires B. S. in Mechanical or Materials Engineering, preferably with 5-10 years of reliability engineering experience, within a chemical manufacturing facility. Applicants with less than 5 years of experience will be considered.
• Ability to manage and lead both strategic long-term programs/projects as well as address short-term operational issues
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft office tools
• Failure Mode and Effective Analysis (FMEA)
• Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)
• Predictive techniques for fixed and rotating equipment - e.g. vibration analysis, oil analysis, nondestructive testing, thermography, etc.
• Familiarity with piping systems
• Familiarity with ASME and API codes
• Familiarity with rotating equipment
• Understanding of PSM systems
• Six Sigma or Lean certification is preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use steps and ladders; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Work in the operating units is required which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.