Process Engineer

Westlake Chemical; Calvert City (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks a Chemical Engineer to support Monomers plant operations in Kentucky. You will troubleshoot, optimize process performance, and help ensure safety and regulatory compliance while driving projects from concept to startup.

Ideal candidates hold a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with 2+ years of experience, strong computer skills, and solid knowledge of mass/energy balances and unit operations. This role focuses on reliability, optimization, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering with at least 2 years of experience.
• Proficient in computer use and software applications related to engineering work.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering process, material, and energy balance.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering unit operations and process control is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot existing plant operations and implement process improvements.
• Monitor plant safety and environmental compliance.
• Perform process calculations and develop improvements; initiate projects to meet regulations.
• Monitor and analyze plant material and utility usage; optimize operations.
• Develop project scopes and create PFDs and P&IDs; assist with training and startup.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Mass & energy balance

Unit operations

Process control knowledge

Education

B.S. degree in Chemical 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.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Troubleshoot existing plant operations and implement new process improvement ideas to ensure that Westlake Monomers meets key plant goals and objectives.
• Monitor plant conformance to safety and environmental regulations.
• Perform process calculations, recommend process improvements and initiate new projects to meet and/or improve compliance with existing regulations.
• Monitor and analyze plant raw material and utility usages.
• Recommend appropriate plant operating conditions and process controls to optimize raw material and utility efficiencies.
• Monitor daily plant operating conditions.
• Maintain current plant operating logs and operator data sheets.
• Report concise key operating information to VCM production personnel.
• Monitor equipment uptimes and maintenance requirements for key process equipment.
• Conduct detailed process equipment inspections and recommend repairs.
• Monitor daily plant lab test results.
• Maintain current lab sample schedules and laboratory database for critical lab samples results.
• Use statistical process control methods to develop action limits for critical sample results.
• Coordinate plant process revisions, ensure MOCs have been initiated, and assist with updating procedures and training.
• Incorporate process revisions into existing plant PFDs and P&IDs.
• Develop project scopes and evaluate project justification.
• Perform project raw material and energy balance calculations, develop project: PFDs, P&IDs, and process equipment specifications.
• Develop project operating procedures and assist production with training and startup.
• Investigate mechanical and process failures or shortcomings to determine cause and procedure to prevent recurrence.
• Direct shift supervisors, as necessary, to resolve operational issues.
• Plans, implements, coordinates and directs process improvement expense and capital projects.
• Recommends yearly capital budget requests and develops scopes, AFEs, and justifications for capital improvements.
• Reviews and revises standard operating procedures as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering with at least 2 years' experience.
• Proficient in computer use and in utilization of various software applications related to engineering work.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering process, material, and energy balance.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering unit operations and process control, preferred.

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

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.

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