Senior Project Manager - Chemical Capital Projects Lead

Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full benefit package

401k matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead capital projects for Sulfuric Acid Regeneration Units from front-end definition through startup. Projects range $1.0MM to $25.0MM, emphasizing safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.

You will drive FEED through FEL stages, manage scope, cost, and schedule, and mentor engineers. The role requires a BS in engineering, 10+ years in capital projects, and the ability to travel up to 25% with extended hours

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering.
• At least 10 years of capital project experience with 5+ years as a project manager in chemical, petrochemical, refining, or similar industries.
• Experience delivering brownfield projects in operating plants, including outages or turnarounds.
• Knowledge of OSHA PSM, MOC, and PSSR.
• Knowledge of codes (ASME B31.1/B31.3, API, NFPA).
• Experience with stage-gate FEL project development and AACE estimate classes.
• Strong cost and schedule control; proficient in MS Project/Primavera and Excel.
• Experience managing contractors under various contract types.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to present to senior leadership.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and work extended hours during turnarounds and startups.
• Prefer sulfuric acid, acid regeneration, boiler and steam systems, or corrosive-service experience.
• Prefer SAP for purchasing, WBS cost tracking, and capital closeout.
• Prefer knowledge of BMS/DCS/SIS projects and environmental compliance projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects through FEL 1 to FEL 3 with business case, design basis, and funding packages.
• Develop and submit capital appropriation and MOC requests; manage scope changes.
• Construct and validate Class 2/3 cost estimates; set risk-based contingency.
• Run PDRI assessments and present gate packages to leadership.
• Own the project execution plan, procurement strategy, and long-lead equipment plan.
• Manage EPC, engineering, fabrication, and construction contractors; handle changes and claims.
• Maintain Level 3 schedules; coordinate tie-ins and outages with Operations.
• Track actuals, commitments, EAC, and forecast variances monthly.
• Drive process safety deliverables including PHA/HAZOP, MOC, PSSR updates.
• Ensure permits for air, water, boiler, and pressure vessels are secured pre-start.
• Enforce safety for contractors and perform constructability reviews; plan SIMOPS.
• Lead field construction during turnarounds and startups; manage turnover and lessons learned.
• Coach junior engineers and project managers.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cost control

MS Project or Primavera

Communication

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical/Mechanical/Civil/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Excel

Job description

Ecovyst Catalyst Technologies in Houston, TX seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead capital projects for Sulfuric Acid Regeneration Units from front-end definition through startup. Projects range $1.0MM to $25.0MM, emphasizing safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.

You will drive FEED through FEL stages, manage scope, cost, and schedule, and mentor engineers. The role requires a BS in engineering, 10+ years in capital projects, and the ability to travel up to 25% with extended hours