Senior Process Automation & SIS Leader

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

Job summary

Westlake seeks an experienced automation leader to oversee the Lake Charles PE&O group, ensuring reliable automation, safety instrumented systems, and compliant operations. The role coordinates with the Instrument Reliability team to advance digitalization and data analytics across plant processes.

You will manage budgets, drive upgrades, and align with industry standards while mentoring staff and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering strongly preferred.
• 10+ years in the Industrial Automation sector.
• BPCS experience with ABB, Honeywell, or DeltaV and Triconex Safety Systems is preferred.
• Solid understanding of the chemical process environment.
• Extensive knowledge of process control systems and solutions.
• Knowledge and experience in Safety Instrumented Systems compliance.
• Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) or equivalent strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns work to process automation personnel.
• Oversees training of process automation personnel and evaluates proficiencies.
• Provides performance/developmental goals and conducts performance assessment reviews.
• Oversees development of capital upgrade/improvement plan for automation and safety instrumented systems hardware and software.
• Provides leadership to ensure SIS program complies with IEC 61511/ISA 84 and Westlake policies.
• Oversees compliance with automation systems industry standards including IEC 62443/NIST 82.
• Coordinates and prioritizes resources to deliver on-time, on-budget tasks.
• Coordinates coverage during startups, shutdowns, turnarounds, freeze protection, weather events, and other events.
• Collaborates to develop digitalization strategy using Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Provides information to IE&C Manager to prepare annual expense budget.
• Develops and maintains procedures and standards in automation environments.
• Maintains relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Researches industry initiatives to appraise applicability and benefits.
• Attracts and grows technical resources and supports team development.
• Provides monthly SIS KPI report to PSM Department.

Skills

Process automation

Team leadership

Project management

Safety standards

SIS program

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

CFSE certification preferred

TWIC credential

Tools

ABB BPCS

Honeywell DeltaV

Triconex SIS

Job description

Westlake seeks an experienced automation leader to oversee the Lake Charles PE&O group, ensuring reliable automation, safety instrumented systems, and compliant operations. The role coordinates with the Instrument Reliability team to advance digitalization and data analytics across plant processes.

You will manage budgets, drive upgrades, and align with industry standards while mentoring staff and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships for continuous improvement.