Project Engineer – Capital Projects & Process Design

Westlake Chemical; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical in Lake Charles, LA seeks an experienced engineer to lead engineering design, controls procurement, and coordination of expensing and capital projects aligned with cost, schedule, and scope. The role provides problem-solving support and helps develop Engineering personnel while advancing new technologies to boost production efficiency.

The position emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with Maintenance, Production, and vendors. It requires a B.S.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline or equivalent progressive Engineering experience.
• 5 years' experience in a refinery, chemical or petrochemical plant performing Engineering design responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops the general plan for a project, prepares a budget estimate, and obtains approval for the plan. Prepares AFE for capital projects. Assists to prepare Capex budget and five-year plan.
• Provides a detailed mechanical design in accordance with good Engineering and safety practices, governmental regulations, plant specifications, applicable codes and underwriter requirements.
• Initiates procurement of materials and communicates with Purchasing, vendors and stores to control expediting and receiving of material.
• Directs designers, checks drawings and submits for approval.
• Prepares work descriptions and specifications; issues Request For Proposal (RFP) to purchasing for bids. Reviews and gives comments on Engineering Bid Comparisons and submits for approval.
• Works with coordinators on field installation, inspects and accepts work. Checks contractors' construction packages and reviews each job to check the performance of each contractor.
• Prepares project status and assists in construction progress and cost reports on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.
• Collects and distributes Engineering data and instructions for each specific project, communicates with Maintenance and Production to acquire design feedback from experience on previously installed equipment and material.
• Assists in the development of Engineering personnel, recommends seminars and other technical training programs that might aid in the development of Engineers, consults with and provides guidance for beginning Engineers.
• Consults with other Engineering personnel and vendors and reviews trade journals and other professional publications in order to stay informed on materials, equipment and design methods.
• Contributes to creating and maintaining a favorable plant image by encouraging positive relations with employees and the community, encouraging maximum safety efforts by employees, and maintaining ethical practices and relationships within the plant.
• Performs special projects as assigned; i.e., obtaining regulatory information, sharing information on common industrial topics with local industry, provides information to underwriters on testing requirements and procedures, enlisting consulting services and other coordination activities as required to assure effective Engineering service.
• Provide required engineering services and technical knowledge for the application of new or different processes, equipment, and materials to existing production units to improve production rates, quality, lower production cost, or to improve equipment reliability.
• Is available after hours by phone (or otherwise) for consultation and/or possible call-out for plant problems or emergencies.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate; promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected. Attend Monthly Safety Meetings to help prevent off site and job accidents.

Education

B.S. Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Equivalent progressive Engineering experience

Job description

Westlake Chemical in Lake Charles, LA seeks an experienced engineer to lead engineering design, controls procurement, and coordination of expensing and capital projects aligned with cost, schedule, and scope. The role provides problem-solving support and helps develop Engineering personnel while advancing new technologies to boost production efficiency.

The position emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with Maintenance, Production, and vendors. It requires a B.S.