Senior Process Engineer

Grapevine Energy; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm in California is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to ensure refinery operations' safety and optimization. Key responsibilities include monitoring catalyst performance, troubleshooting processes, and providing operational support during startups and shutdowns. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of relevant experience, a BS degree in Chemical Engineering, and familiarity with health and safety regulations. The company promotes an inclusive workplace, adhering to equal employment opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of process engineering operations support experience in petrochemical, refining, and/or renewable fuels processing.
• Experience with renewable diesel production, hydroprocessing, hydrogen production, and gas plant equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe operations and meet regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report catalyst performance and health.
• Participate in alarm rationalization.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and provide feedback on RCA reports.
• Support debottlenecking, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Provide operational technical support during test runs and startups.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Process engineering support

Health and safety regulations familiarity

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Task prioritization

Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

MS or PhD in Engineering (Chemical preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Process Engineer provides technical support for refinery operations. They are responsible for unit monitoring, daily troubleshooting, operations support, process optimization, and development of small capital projects / modifications to existing units.

Essential Functions

• Oversee day‑to‑day operational performance and optimization to ensure safe operations and that regulatory, commercial, and logistical requirements are met.
• Monitor catalyst health and proactively report catalyst performance and end‑of‑run projections; work closely with the catalyst supplier when needed.
• Identify opportunities for improvement (proactively and reactively).
• Participate in alarm rationalization (AOA).
• Inspect field equipment installation according to the design and fabricator’s specifications during unit outages and upgrades.
• Inspect vessel internals for proper installation and tolerances of components.
• Work with engineering and operations personnel to troubleshoot process upsets in and provide feedback on RCA (root cause analysis) reports as needed.
• Work with vendors, licensors, and contractors to support debottlenecking, optimization, and troubleshooting as needed to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Provide operational technical support during test runs, commissioning, start‑ups, and shutdowns.
• Monitor daily process indicators and communicate performance, optimization opportunities, and environmental performance; daily interaction and communication with field and board/console operators.
• Assist troubleshooting efforts with upsets, product quality incidents, meeting production plans, etc.
• Provide after‑hours support when appropriate – emergency call‑out, etc.
• Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as part of routine reporting (WABT curve, fouling, chemical and catalyst budgets, yields, etc.).
• Manage catalyst performance and coordinate catalyst change timing.
• Develop justification and work scope for T/A and routine maintenance – specifically catalyst change‑out, exchanger cleaning, furnace pigging, etc.
• Publish technical recommendation memos and turnaround reports.
• Support T/A with potential extended work schedules and/or night shifts as appropriate.
• Support/review operations procedures for start‑up and shutdown.
• Review and approve vendor chemical programs.
• Small to medium capital project process engineering support.
• Lead and participate in the MOC process and participate in hazard reviews (What‑Ifs, HAZOPs), support Process Safety Information (PSI) and troubleshooting.
• Support unit operation within environmental limits.
• Perform environmental calculations (leaks, maximum intended inventory, etc.).
• Lead investigations for process‑related events.
• Maintain current work lists with priorities.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful.
• Proven ability to provide process engineering support for large complex industrial projects.
• Familiarity with applicable health and safety regulations.
• Strong technical, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience

• BS in Chemical Engineering.
• MS and/or PhD in Engineering, preferably in Chemical.
• 10+ years of process engineering operations support experience in petrochemical, refining, and/or renewable fuels processing.
• Experience with renewable diesel production, hydroprocessing, hydrogen production, and gas plant equipment and ancillary support systems is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods of time.
• Requires frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring equipment and materials.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self‑contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be able to climb ladders and/or stairs on tanks, vessels and structures; wear respirator; work around equipment containing high pressures and temperatures and various chemicals.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Grapevine Operating Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.