Senior Project Engineer

Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies; Port Neches (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies seeks a Senior Project Engineer to lead planning, development, and execution of capital projects across multiple sites in Port Neches. You will manage scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk while ensuring regulatory alignment and asset value.

Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, driving PSM compliance, and delivering projects safely on time and within budgets, with active involvement in startup and turnover processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Civil or related).
• 10+ years in engineering, PM, or capital project execution in chemical/industrial settings.
• 5+ years leading capital projects or portfolios in manufacturing.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors, and third-party services.
• Proven track record delivering projects safely, on schedule, and within budgets.
• Preferred PMP or PE certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, approval, execution, and closeout of capital projects from concept to startup.
• Manage a portfolio of projects across multiple locations with balanced priorities.
• Develop scopes, estimates, schedules, execution strategies, and resource plans.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and PSM requirements.
• Support PHA and MOC reviews for capital modifications.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, EHS, Procurement, Finance, and Construction.
• Identify and mitigate project risks impacting safety, cost, schedule, quality, or performance.
• Manage engineering and construction contractors and vendors; oversee procurement.
• Provide regular reporting on scope, schedule, budget, risks, and KPIs to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution and controls; support startups and turnover.

Skills

Project management

PSM & MOC

Cross-functional leadership

Vendor management

Cost control

Risk management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE license

PMP certification

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

SAP / ERP systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

SALARY FT NON-EXEMPT Port Neches, TX, US

The Senior Project Engineer provides leadership and oversight for the planning, development, and execution of capital projects across multiple manufacturing sites. This position is responsible for safely delivering projects that support business objectives by managing scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk while ensuring alignment with operational, regulatory, and strategic requirements. The role drives collaboration among site leadership, engineering, operations, maintenance, and external partners to achieve successful project outcomes and long-term asset value.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, approval, execution, and closeout of capital projects from concept through startup and handoff to operations.
• Manage a portfolio of capital projects across multiple manufacturing locations, balancing priorities, resources, and business objectives.
• Develop project scopes, estimates, schedules, execution strategies, and resource plans to support capital investment decisions.
• Ensure all projects are executed in accordance with company safety standards, environmental requirements, process safety management (PSM) expectations, and applicable regulations.
• Participate in and support Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and Management of Change (MOC) reviews associated with capital modifications to existing process equipment and facilities.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, EHS, Procurement, Finance, and Construction.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risks that could impact safety, cost, schedule, quality, or operational performance.
• Manage engineering contractors, consultants, construction firms, and equipment suppliers to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular reporting on scope, schedule, budget, risks, and key performance indicators to site and company leadership.
• Facilitate stage-gate reviews and ensure appropriate governance, documentation, and approvals throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support development of site capital plans and long-range strategic investment initiatives.
• Ensure project designs meet operational requirements, reliability objectives, maintainability standards, and applicable engineering practices.
• Lead project procurement activities including bid evaluations, contractor selection, and vendor/contractor performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution processes, project controls, and capital program performance.
• Support plant startups, turnarounds, commissioning activities, and post-project evaluations to ensure expected business benefits are realized.
• Other responsibilities within the Engineering & Capital group as assigned.

Accountabilities

• Safely deliver assigned capital projects with zero injuries, incidents, and environmental non-compliance events.
• Achieve project scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives while meeting business and operational requirements.
• Ensure effective management of capital expenditures and stewardship of company resources.
• Maintain compliance with applicable engineering standards, corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and process safety expectations.
• Deliver sustainable improvements in plant reliability, capacity, safety, efficiency, and operational performance through successful project implementation.
• Provide accurate project forecasting, reporting, and communication to stakeholders and leadership.
• Effectively manage project risks and implement mitigation plans to minimize business impacts.
• Build strong partnerships with site leadership and functional teams to ensure alignment of project priorities across all locations.
• Ensure successful commissioning, startup, and turnover of projects to operations.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the company's capital strategy and multi-year investment plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline).
• Minimum 10+ years of engineering, project management, or capital project execution experience in the chemical, petrochemical, refining, industrial manufacturing, or related process industries.
• Minimum 5+ years leading capital projects and/or project portfolios in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, including concept development, front-end loading (FEL), detailed design, construction, commissioning, startup, and project closeout.
• Experience managing engineering contractors, construction contractors, vendors, and third-party service providers.
• Proven track record of delivering projects safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets.
• Experience developing and managing capital budgets, cost forecasts, schedules, and project controls.
• Experience working within Process Safety Management (PSM) regulated facilities.
• (Preferred) 15+ years of experience in chemical, petrochemical, or refining industries.
• (Preferred) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• (Preferred) Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles, practices, and project delivery methodologies.
• Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing processes and industrial facility operations.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change (MOC), and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Understanding of engineering design practices, construction management, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Proficiency with project management and cost control software and tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, SAP or similar ERP/cost systems).
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills in fast-paced operating environments.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives, site leadership, operations personnel, contractors, and technical teams.
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Regularly works in and around active chemical manufacturing/industrial plant environments, which may include exposure to heat, noise, chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to travel regularly between company facilities and project sites (approximately 25-40% travel as required).