Process Automation Engineer

INEOS Belgium; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Process Automation Engineer to join its dynamic team in Aurora, Illinois. This role is pivotal in enhancing safety and efficiency within the Nitriles manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in process control and automation to implement innovative solutions and manage capital projects. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and ensure compliance with safety standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization that values integrity, safety, and professional development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in petrochemical process control or industrial electrical systems.
• Expertise in DCS, PLCs, and safety systems.
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation expertise to improve safety and efficiency.
• Manage and implement capital projects for automation initiatives.
• Train site personnel on automation systems and safety protocols.

Skills

Control Theory

PID Control

Advanced Control Strategies

Instrumentation Technologies

PLC Programming

Data Analysis

Project Management

Safety Compliance

Education

BS in Engineering

AAS Technical Degree

Certifications in Project Management

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Honeywell Experion

OSI PI

Allen Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Job description

Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees share in the ownership of the business and are empowered to make a difference?

Job title

Process Automation Engineer

Grade

35

Location

Organizational context
and job purpose

Nitriles is a global chemicals business with sales volume of 1200 kte and revenue in excess of $2.4 billion. The Nitriles products include acrylonitrile, hydrogen cyanide, acetonitrile and acrylonitrile catalyst.

The Technology and Engineering group is located in Aurora, Illinois and has global responsibility for Nitriles manufacturing site technical support, including problem solving, process improvements, and major project support. Also provide catalyst sales and licensing technical support, including delivery of the technical aspects of new licensee project from design through start-up and technical support.

This role is an engineering authority in the Nitriles Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) team. This role is an experienced technical position in the Process Technology and Engineering (PT&E) group reporting to the Process Technology and Engineering Lead.

The incumbent provides automation expertise to the RD&T team in Aurora and implements automation improvements to advance safety, efficiency, decrease manual actions, and enhance centralized data collection and analytics. Improvements include manage and implement capital projects and routine software, automation and controls upgrades. The incumbent is responsible for maintenance of the controls and automated safety systems testing in Aurora. The incumbent also provides technology support to external and internal customers: INEOS Nitriles manufacturing sites, INEOS global teams, and technology development projects.

The Total Quality Management System shall be incorporated into all job activities. All job activities should be executed in a safe and efficient manner consistent with the INEOS 20 Principles.

Responsibilities AND Accountabilities

SHE Stewardship

• Maintain safety as the highest priority and abide by all INEOS safety policies and procedures.
• Understand and promote the INEOS “20 Principles of Safety”, assuring that personnel are aware of safe working practices and promote the safety concepts of “Coaching for Safety” and “Stop Work”.
• Promote safety and safe actions through communication such as discussing safety with employees/contractors before job task, during meetings, and as opportunities arise to promote safety to the fullest extent possible.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulatory requirements and strive to meet internal SHE objectives.
• Ensure that work performed by self or others being directed is performed in accordance with site procedures. All deviations and incident are to be reported to management.
• Ensure that the design and implementation of technical work has been thoroughly reviewed and executed correctly.
• Ensure safety system testing is performed and documented as defined in the mechanical integrity procedures.
• Develop automation scope to improve safety.

Reliability:

• Meet monthly reliability targets with a focus on continuous improvement. Ensure that automation systems (control, safety, reporting, historian, etc.) are properly maintained and upgraded to provide ongoing site pilot and lab reliability.
• Responsible for the Aurora RD&T DCS, BAS and PI maintenance, update and creation of graphics, programming of control loops, and interface with the data historian.
• Engineering Authority of the Aurora Site. Support the site Process Safety program. Review MOC’s, etc.
• Support Aurora RD&T Process Safety Program, including attend risk assessments, SIL verification studies
• Support continuous improvement initiatives. Execute and support changes that will improve the efficiency and operations of the Aurora facility. Automatic control of pilot plant equipment and online data collection. Automatic data transfer of analytical data from lab instruments to central database. Support the global Smart Manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop scope, implement and manage capital projects for automation initiatives in RD&T
• Develop plans for central online data acquisition from pilot plant equipment and lab instruments for future AI infrastructure and initiatives, then implement.

Capital Spending:

• Control projects with budget. Support the budgeting and execution of projects to minimize impacts to the timeline and total cost
• Support cost improvement initiatives. Execute and support process changes that will improve the operating costs of the Aurora facility

Personnel:

• Providing training to site personnel (scientists, technicians, engineers, maintenance, laboratory, etc.) as needed to ensure understanding of automations systems.

Process Safety Handbook Development:

• Support the advancement of the Process Safety Handbook

Business:

• Support the ongoing needs of the business.

Education/Experience

BS degree in Engineering field required with minimum 10 years successful petrochemical industry work experience in process control or AAS Technical Degree with minimum 10 years of experience in industrial electrical, instrumentation & process controls

Advanced degree, and experience in an industrial chemical R&D/Pilot Plan environment a plus.

Certifications in projects management a plus (PMP or equivalent)

Technical skills

• In depth understanding of control theory, including PID control, advanced control strategies (model predictive control adaptive control), and statistical process control (SPC)
• Expertise in a variety of instrumentation technologies (pressure, temperature, flow, level, etc.) distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
• Able to configure and troubleshoot distributed control systems (Emerson RS3, Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion)
• Able to configure and troubleshoot safety instrumented systems (Honeywell FSC, Hima, Triconex, Delta V SIS)
• Proficient in PLC programming languages (e.g., ladder logic, structured text) and able to configure and troubleshoot field industrial controllers (Allen Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLCs, Local HMIs)
• Able to configure and troubleshoot data acquisition and alarm management systems (e.g. OSI PI, Process View, Vision, etc.)
• Proficient in using simulation tools to model and analyze complex chemical processes
• Able to collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement
• Knowledgeable in industrial communications configuration protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus) and capability to configure and troubleshoot
• Knowledge of programming languages and scripting languages for automation, data analysis, and control system development.
• Understanding of industry standards (e.g. ISA and IEC) to ensure safe and sustainable operations
• Able to understand and perform Safety Integrity Level (SIL) evaluations of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) (e.g. exSILentia Exida, SILcet, or equivalent)
• Able to configure and troubleshoot smart instrumentation
• Able to read, generate, and modify P&IDs, loop sheets, and single line diagrams associated with instrumentation and controls connections to skid packages, distributed control systems (DCS), and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
• Knowledgeable in automation of computer tasks and/or programming (VBA, Python, Java scripts, or equivalent).
• Knowledgeable in analytical instrumentation or online analyzer technology (e.g. GC, IR)
• Able to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (MS Copilot or equivalent).
• Proficient in the entire lifecycle of project management from concept and scope development, detailed design, construction, and final commissioning.
• Demonstrated successful project management of capital projects of approximately $250k or higher.
• Provides Safety Leadership by Example
• Able to identify and troubleshoot complex technical issues, develop innovative solutions, and make data-driven decisions
• Able to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clear and concise written and verbal communication, presentation skills, and active listening
• Able to work effectively in cross-functional teams, collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel, and build strong relationships
• Meticulous approach to ensure accuracy and precision in all work, including control system design, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance, including adherence to safety procedures and risk assessments
• Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development to stay up to date with the latest technologies, industry standards, and best practices in mechanical integrity and inspections
• Goal oriented, self-starter, able to effectively manage priorities, quality, and timelines of self and contractors/consultants
• Maintains well developed outside contacts among other INEOS sites, technology providers, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, professional associations, and industry peers to share expertise and implement best practices
• Capacity to adapt to changing priorities, learn new technologies, and work under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Capacity to embrace change and positively challenge the “status quo”

Line Management Responsibilities

• Supervise internal personnel and external contractors, and vendors as needed when implementing work, maintenance, or projects.
• See Organizational Chart

Our culture is one of honesty and integrity with an emphasis on safety, health and environmental performance.On our team, people are acknowledged for embracing new practices that help create real value for customers.

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• Location Aurora, United States
• Discipline Engineering
• Type Full-time
• Posted 07 May 2025
• Requisition ID REQ-2375

Job Details

• Location Aurora, United States
• Discipline Engineering
• Type Full-time
• Business INEOS Nitriles
• Posted 07 May 2025
• Requisition ID REQ-2375

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