Process Engineer

Nucor Corporation; Convent (LA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K and Roth accounts

Profit sharing

Tuition reimbursement

Stock program

Paid parental leave

Scholarships

Job summary

Nucor Steel Louisiana LLC is seeking a Chemical/Energy Engineer to lead design, analysis, and optimization of gas processing and decarbonization efforts in a safe, collaborative steelmaking environment.

The role emphasizes developing digital twins for direct reduction technologies, thermodynamic modeling, and compliance with ASME/API standards, with up to 20% travel for project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Energy Engineering or foreign equivalent, and 3 years of experience in designing, analyzing, and optimizing chemical processes for combustible and hydrogen-rich gas streams.
• Experience with thermodynamic simulations to support decarbonization strategies and digital twin models of Tenova HYL technology.
• Experience leading HAZOP and ensuring compliance with ASME, API, TEMA standards and other codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development activities for decarbonization and efficient gas processing.
• Design and optimize HYL/Energiron direct reduction reactor and related systems.
• Develop digital twin models for Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) processes using Aspen Plus/HYSYS/ProMax.
• Ensure compliance of thermal equipment, pressure vessels, and gas handling per international codes.

Skills

Process design

HAZOP risk assessment

Thermodynamics

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Energy Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Aspen HYSYS

ProMax

Job description

Other Available Locations: N/A

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Job Details

Division: Nucor Steel Louisiana LLC

Location: Convent, LA, United States

Other Available Locations: N/A

Basic Job Functions

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times. Lead process development activities for a sustainable future, decarbonization of the direct reduction process, the usage of iron oxides more efficient, research and propose new ways to obtain metallic iron. Design, analyze, and optimize efficient chemical processes for combustible and hydrogen-rich gas streams utilizing energy, kinetics, and heat transfer principles. Analyze hydrogen-rich gas systems and develop thermodynamic simulations to establish equilibrium variances for decarbonization strategies. Design and optimize HYL/Energiron direct reduction reactor, defining iron oxide throughput, reduction degrees, and metallization targets through detailed mass and energy balances. Develop digital twin models of Tenova HYL technology for Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) making processes utilizing Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, and ProMax. Optimize oxygen injection lances for the partial combustion system in the transfer line, a critical control point of the Tenova HYL process. Engineer lance geometry, flow distribution, and injection dynamics to precisely regulate O delivery and drive controlled methane reforming for H and CO generation. Ensure stable partial oxidation conditions by preventing over combustion, protecting downstream equipment. Review and ensure compliance of complex chemical conditions for critical thermal equipment, pressure vessels, fire systems, and gas handling in accordance with international codes/standards ASME, TEMA, and API. Develop the complete automatic operation and control strategy for a SulFerox (iron-chelate liquid redox) HS removal unit, scavengers, filtration system, chemical dosing establishing the layout for the equipment, slurry handling circuits. Design control loops that optimize HS removal efficiency, system stability and solids management to comply with the government regulations using advanced mass transfer and thermodynamics. Lead systematic identification of process hazards and operability (HAZOP) risks associated with methane reformers, HYL reduction reactors, gas handling systems, CO/H circuits, pressure vessels, heaters, auxiliary systems, and amine systems. Optimize temperature profiles and residence times within the Tenova HYL reactor by evaluating endothermic reduction zones, carbon deposition thresholds, and sticking limit boundaries to enhance productivity, minimize natural gas consumption ratios, and ensure stable metallization performance. Lead multi-disciplinary capital projects such as process safety and equipment upgrades. Stay current with new process technologies, tools, design practices, methods, and concepts. Train and develop others. Up to 20% international and domestic travel required for meetings, trainings, and consultations with other divisions/factories.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidate must have a Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Chemical or Energy Engineering and 3 years of experience in designing, analyzing, and optimizing efficient chemical processes for combustible and hydrogen-rich gas streams utilizing energy, kinetics, and heat transfer principles. Must have experience in: Analyzing hydrogen-rich gas systems and developing thermodynamic simulations to establish equilibrium variances for decarbonization strategies. Developing digital twin models of Tenova HYL technology for Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) making processes utilizing Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, and ProMax. Leading systematic identification of HAZOP risks associated with methane reformers, HYL reduction reactors, gas handling systems, CO/H circuits, pressure vessels, heaters, and auxiliary systems. Reviewing and ensuring compliance of complex chemical conditions for critical thermal equipment, pressure vessels, fire systems, and gas handling in accordance with international codes/standards ASME, TEMA, and API. Up to 20% international and domestic travel required for meetings, trainings, and consultations with other divisions/factories.

Preferred Qualifications

Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace