Process Control Superintendent

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks a senior automation leader for the Lake Charles PE&O group. You will oversee maintenance and application of automation technologies, drive safety instrumented systems programs, and coordinate capital upgrades. The role partners with engineering and operations to advance digitalization and asset reliability while meeting safety, budget, and schedule targets. A strong engineering background and CFSE are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering is required or strongly preferred.
• Ten or more years in the industrial automation sector.
• CFSE certification or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns work to process automation personnel.
• Oversees training and evaluates proficiencies.
• Delivers capital upgrade plans for automation and safety systems.
• Ensures SIS program compliance with IEC 61511/ISA 84 and Westlake policies.
• Leads digitalization initiatives using Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Coordinates resources to deliver on-time, on-budget projects.

Skills

Process automation

Leadership

Project management

Industrial safety

Industrial automation standards

NFPA/API knowledge

Education

Bachelor degree in Engineering

CFSE certification or equivalent

Tools

BPCS

ABB/DeltaV/Honeywell

Triconex Safety Systems

IEC 61511/ISA 84

IEC 62443/NIST 82

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

Leads the Lake Charles PE&O automation group servicing the Lake Charles Petro Facilities. Meets internal customer requirements for the maintenance and application of automation technologies to sustain and improve the plant’s processes and communication systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following: Supervises and assigns work to process automation personnel.

Oversees training of process automation personnel and evaluates proficiencies.

Provides performance/developmental goals and conducts performance assessment reviews for process automation personnel per Company guidelines.

Oversees development of capital upgrade/improvement plan for process automation and safety instrumented systems’ hardware and software.

Provides leadership in collaboration with the Instrument Reliability Superintendent to ensure the site's Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) program complies with IEC 61511/ISA 84 standards and Westlake policies, while supporting ongoing system reliability, performance monitoring, and lifecycle management.

Oversees and coordinates compliance with automation systems’ industry standards, including IEC 62443/NIST 82 and with similar Westlake security policy.

Coordinates and prioritizes efforts of available resources to deliver on-time and on-budget completion of tasks and projects.

Coordinates Process Automation Systems coverage and technical support during planned and unplanned operational events, including unit startups, shutdowns, turnarounds, freeze protection activities, severe weather responses, and other critical operating conditions, ensuring automation system reliability, timely issue resolution, and safe plant operations.

Collaborates with the Instrument Reliability Superintendent to develop and execute the site's digitalization strategy, leveraging advanced automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, connected worker technologies, and emerging Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance operational excellence, asset reliability, and business performance.

Provides information to IE&C Manager in order to prepare annual expense budget.

Develops and maintains procedures and standards in the automation systems’ environment to continuously improve existing processes.

Develops and maintains strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders (e.g. operations, engineering, site and corporate EHS consultants and vendors).

Researches current automation systems’ industry initiatives, best practices, and standards in order to appraise applicability, leverage, and benefit the facility.

Attracts and retains strong technical resources and supports the growth and development of technical team members.

Provide monthly SIS KPI report to PSM Department by required date.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• Bachelor degree in the field of Engineering strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of in the Industrial Automation sector.
• BPCS experience with ABB, Honeywell, or DeltaV and Triconex Safety Systems is preferred.
• Solid understanding of the chemical process environment.
• Extensive knowledge of process control systems and solutions.
• Knowledge and experience in application and compliance of Safety Instrumented Systems.
• Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Project management skills, including organizing, tracking, reporting and record keeping.
• Familiarity with NFPA and API Standards strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; 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. Some of the work may be required in the operating units 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.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions - from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com. Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings. Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®. To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com