Process Controls Engineer

Methanex Corporation; Beaumont (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Methanex Corporation seeks a Process Controls Engineer to support process control, instrumentation, automation, and safety systems for a chemical plant. The role troubleshoots control system issues and implements cost-effective improvements to optimize plant performance.

Collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, and Technical teams, the engineer will manage DCS/PLC/F&G systems, cyber security, and vendor contracts while driving safety and reliability across plant operations.

Qualifications

• BS degree in instrumentation, electrical, or automation engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in a continuous process industry, chemicals or refinery preferred.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems, preferably Yokogawa CENTUM-VP and PCS7.
• Knowledge of engineering management systems, processes, and tools.

Responsibilities

• Organize and execute Capital Projects with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and customers on project scope and timelines.
• Oversee fabrication, testing, and installation of automation systems on site.
• Review technical specifications and automation software from contractors.
• Maintain compliance with codes (ISA S84 / IEC 61511 / IEC 62433) and standard practices.

Skills

Instrumentation

Automation

DCS/PLC

Project management

Safety systems

Root cause analysis

Cyber security

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Instrumentation/Electrical/Automation Engineering

Tools

Yokogawa CENTUM-VP

PROSAFE-RS

Allen-Bradley/Siemens PCS7

Job description

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

Reports To: Technical Manager

Duration: Full-time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Process Controls Engineer provides technical expertise and support for the site’s process control, instrumentation, automation, and safety systems to ensure safe, reliable, and optimized plant operations. This role troubleshoots control system issues, identifies improvement opportunities, and implements innovative and cost-effective solutions to enhance plant performance. The Process Controls Engineer works collaboratively across Operations, Maintenance, and Technical teams, while serving as a key resource for process control and automation systems.

Position Responsibilities

• Work with a multi-disciplined team to organize, initiate and develop the work execution of Capital Projects.
• Confer with engineers, contractors, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects.
• Work with instrumentation contractors to follow through with completion of Capital Expenditure Projects on plant site.
• Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Review of technical specification and design documents including automation software supplied by contractors.
• Direct or coordinate engineering, fabrication, testing activities and documentation to ensure compliance with standard practice, specification, national codes, or customer requirements.
• Check the design and fabrication of instrumentation equipment in compliance with applicable codes and regulations e.g., ISA S84 / IEC 61511 / IEC 62433 etc.
• Review the manufacturing concept and fabrication process and evaluate the feasibility also with respect of scheduling and optimization.
• Participate in pre inspection and testing of automation systems.
• Prepare various reports as needed and provide input to time schedule
• Follow up overall fabrication status or site installation regarding progress achievements and critical paths as applicable. Control and monitoring of key performance figures to ensure schedule milestones.
• Initiate and moderate technical discipline meetings with contractors and participate in regular meetings related to QS, HSE, progress and schedule.
• Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software to perform engineering tasks.
• Assist in root cause failure analysis and develop procedure / modify automation concept to remedy deficiencies.
• Provide input to mechanical completion monitoring system to ensure completeness of individual manufacturing and construction steps.
• Present a professional image at all times to clients and vendors and maintain a positive reputation for the company.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.
• Work with process computer systems (DCS/ESD/PLC)
• Manage the Fire & Gas plant alarm systems.
• Manage process control networks
• Manage DCS/PLC/F&G vendor maintenance contracts
• Lead enhancement and coordinate activities on the DCS/PLC/F&G-software and hardware.
• Manage the cyber security of the plant DCS/PLC systems
• Manage all Instruments (plant wide)
• Manage the AMS/PRM, Asset Management Systems / Plant Resource Management systems.
• Manage the Analyzers and the emission monitoring systems

Position Qualifications

Education, Experience, and/or Training

• Bachelor of Science degree (Instrumentation, Electrical or Automation Engineering) is required.
• 2+ years of experience preferred. Experience preferred as plant owners’ employee in a continuous process industry, preferably chemicals or oil refining.
• Experience in SynGas process (Ammonia, Methanol, Hydrogen) is preferred.
• Knowledgeable in the establishment and application of engineering management systems, processes, and tools.
• Engineering experience: configuration/troubleshooting DCS/PLC systems, preferably Yokogawa (CENTUM-VP, PROSAFE-RS), Allen-Bradley/Siemens PCS7Engineering experience: Develop Process Instrument Diagrams (P&ID), Control, Safeguarding, Control narratives, and process control specifications

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Able to make difficult decisions and lead and manage others in changing business conditions.
• Excellent management skills including the ability to plan, set goals; and manage time, priorities, resources, accountabilities, schedules, and cost.
• A person of integrity who is trusted by others and consistently honors their commitments.
• Able to identify issues, problems, and opportunities; make timely decisions; develop appropriate and innovative solutions; and ask for assistance if required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to convey information and ideas to individuals and groups, and make presentations when required.
• Competent with applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
• Well-rounded of various engineering disciplines experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals including both production employees, management, and other levels of company employee, on both a one-to-one basis as well as in small groups.
• Able to earn trust/respect and build relationships at all levels. Desires to grow with & support the organization mission.
• Ability to work in a fast pace, high stress environment.
• Provide attention to detail and ability to produce results.
• Ability to interact with team members and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to implement maintenance procedures and recommend process and equipment modifications, changes, and alternatives.

Security Clearance Requirements

• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)

Software

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel required.

Physical

• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit for prolonged amounts of time required.
• Ability to effectively communicate through various means required.
• Noise levels are typically moderate-to-loud.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday with available rolling 80s schedule.
• May work longer hours to meet deadlines as necessary.
• Willing to work call outs on plant needed basis.

Travel

• Travel is not anticipated in this role.