Process Engineer

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical Corporation seeks a Process Engineer to assist the Process Supervisor and department engineers. You will analyze operations, troubleshoot plant processes, and collect technical information to support improvements and compliance.

The role involves monitoring safety and environmental rules, performing material and energy balances, and guiding revisions to procedures, PFDs, and P&IDs. Collaboration with production is essential.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering with at least 2 years' experience.
• Proficient with engineering software tools.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering processes, energy and material balances.
• Familiarity with process control and unit operations (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot plant operations and implement process improvements.
• Monitor safety, environmental compliance, and operability.
• Analyze raw material and utility usage to optimize efficiency.
• Maintain plant logs, data sheets, and reporting to production.
• Coordinate revisions, update PFDs and P&IDs.
• Develop project scopes and perform mass/energy balances.
• Investigate failures to determine root causes.
• Direct shift supervisors to resolve issues.
• Support capital budgeting and project justifications.
• Review standard operating procedures.

Skills

Engineering software

Process control

Chemical engineering

Statistical methods

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PFDs & P&IDs

Job description

The Engineer assists Process Supervisor and departmental Process Engineers with the analysis and troubleshooting of process operations and collection of technical information.

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 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.

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