Sr. Engineer - Process Automation HNO

TPC Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TPC Group in Houston, Texas is seeking a skilled Senior Process Automation Engineer to join the Process Automation Department. This role involves implementing process control strategies and optimizing production processes. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering, possess at least 5 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, and have strong knowledge of industrial automation technologies. This position emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and adhere to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience.
• Proven experience as a Process Automation Engineer in petrochemical or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement process control strategies.
• Collaborate with teams to identify automation needs.
• Configure and program DCS, PLC, and other control systems.

Skills

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Industrial automation technologies

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Senior Process Automation Engineer to join our team. This individual will be an integral member of the Process Automation Department within the Technology and Sustainability Group, responsible for implementing process control strategies, automated programming, and processes that will facilitate the successful execution of TPC Group's strategic growth initiatives. Reporting to the Manager of Process Automation, the engineer will be tasked with designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems to optimize production processes and ensure operational efficiency. The Process Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to identify automation opportunities, resolve issues, and foster continuous improvements in our plant operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement process control strategies, including regulatory control, control sequence, logic, and advanced control.
• Collaborate with production engineers, operations, and maintenance teams to identify automation needs and requirements.
• Configure and program Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMI), and other control systems.
• Conduct system integration, testing, and commissioning of automation solutions.
• Perform troubleshooting, diagnosis, and resolution of automation system issues to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.
• Regularly review and improve alarm management systems (alarm rationalization).
• Participate in and represent process automation in HAZOP and other safety and reliability processes and studies.
• Participate in PHAs, PSSRs, incident investigations, and unit troubleshooting.
• Provide automation engineering in the specification, design, development, installation, commissioning, and validation of process control systems for capital projects.
• Provide training and support to plant personnel on the operation and maintenance of automation systems.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in all automation activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience
• Proven experience working as a Process Automation Engineer in the petrochemical, oil and gas industry, or a similar manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of process control systems, instrumentation, and industrial automation technologies
• Hands‑on experience with DCS, PLC, SCADA systems, and other automation software and hardware
• Familiarity with industry standards and protocols like OPC, Modbus, Profibus, etc.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Prior experience with HAZOP studies, SIL assessments, and process safety management is a plus
• Certification in relevant automation technologies or systems is desirable

Preferred Qualifications

• Emerson DeltaV DCS/SIS experience is preferred.
• Experience with networking and understanding of cyber security is a plus
• Able to design and implement basic and advanced control schemes as well as complex sequence logic
• Experience with Advanced Process Control Strategies. Aspen DMC3 is a plus

Applicant Eligibility

All applicants must be eligible to work for any employer in the United States without needing any company sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity & Rights Notice

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.