Process Engineer (PE&O)

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical Corporation in Lake Charles, LA seeks a Process Engineer II to learn unit processes and support capital projects from concept through start-up.

You will perform process calculations, safety analyses, and equipment specification tasks, while coordinating with operations and project teams to ensure reliable plant performance.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates must satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing & pre-employment physical requirements before starting work.
• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of full-time work experience in a refinery, chemical or petrochemical plant performing Engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Learn process and technology of assigned unit and attend morning meetings to maintain communication with operations.
• Support development of a capital budget with high level scopes and economic calculations for project screening.
• Provide process engineering support from conception through start-up, including scope of work, process calculations, P&ID redlines, and equipment specs.
• Lead or participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA I LO PA), MOC, and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews, following up on actions.
• Manage multiple projects, analyze plant operating problems, support during upsets, turnarounds, and startups.
• Assist in incident reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.

Education

B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

SUMMARY

The following is a position description for a Process Engineer II.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• • Learn process and technology of assigned unit. Seek knowledge from more experienced personnel. As a minimum, attend morning meetings of the assigned unit to maintain communication with operations personnel.
• • Support development of a capital budget
  • ◦ Participate in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for improvements
  • ◦ Prepare high level scopes ◦ Perform economic calculations for project screening
• • Provide process engineering support under close supervision for assigned projects from conception through start-up.
  • ◦ Work with a team to identify scope of work
  • ◦ Perform process engineering calculations as needed to support development of work scope (process simulations, hydraulic calculations, size equipment and valves, provide process conditions for instrumentation, etc.)
  • ◦ Redline P&ID's
  • ◦ Start equipment and instrumentation specification sheets by filling in process conditions
  • ◦ Prepare scope of work
  • ◦ Complete Preliminary Environmental Questionnaire and Engineering Service Request Form
  • ◦ Review project cost estimate
  • ◦ Support AFE development
  • ◦ Review civil, mechanical, and instrumentation & electrical packages ("Issue for Review and Comment" and "Issue for Approval") from a process engineering perspective
  • ◦ Seek assistance from more experienced engineers as needed
• • Prepare, lead, and/or participate in Process Hazard Analysis I Layer of Protection Analysis (PHA I LOPA). Share in PHA I LOPA recommendation assignments. Follow up on and/or complete recommendations.
• • Initiate and manage "Management of Change" (MOC) for assigned projects. Create, update, review, and/or support development of process safety information as needed (procedures, chemical interaction matrix, operator training, etc.).
• • Lead and/or participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews. Follow up on PSSR action items to ensure completion in a timely manner.
• • Manage multiple projects at a given time under close supervision.
• • Analyze and troubleshoot specific plant operating problems as requested by the Production Unit and agreed to by the PE&O Technical Manager. Recommendations are to be reviewed by supervision prior to implementation.
• • Provide support during plant upsets, shutdowns, turnarounds, and startups. Must be available for call out.
• • Lead and/or participate in incident reviews. Follow up on and/or complete assigned action items from the Root Cause Analysis in a timely manner.
• • Under close supervision, optimize unit operations as assigned.
• • Perform assigned tasks in a timely manner that respects safety and the environment.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
2. Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
3. Fully supports Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well as active participation on project teams.
4. Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.
5. Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of others.Promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental issues or incidents to management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• • Successful candidates must satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing & pre-employment physical requirements before starting work.
• • A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.
• • B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering.
• • At least 5 years of full-time work experience in a refinery, chemical or petrochemical plant performing Engineering responsibilities.

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, bend, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 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.

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.