SR Engineer Process Safety

Westlake; Geismar (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake in Geismar, Louisiana, seeks a leader for its Process Safety Management program. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with industry standards, overseeing safety protocols, and participating in accident investigations.

A B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is required along with 8 years of experience in refineries or chemical plants. Strong computer skills and effective communication abilities are essential.

Westlake promotes opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic workplace.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of refinery or chemical plant experience preferred.
• Experience with Process Hazard Analysis and Safety Instrumented Systems preferred.
• Apollo RCA facilitator training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Westlake Vinyls’ PSM program and act as the plant subject matter expert.
• Develop and implement goals for the PSM program with Corporate Health, Safety & Environmental.
• Conduct regular internal audits of PSM program elements.

Skills

Process Hazard Analysis

Safety Instrumented Systems

Strong oral and written communication skills

Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Strong computer skills

Education

B.S. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Summary
Westlake manufactures chemical and plastic products that improve people’s lives every day. We are a quality-focused manufacturer and dependable global supplier of petrochemicals, plastics and building products. Our mission is to serve our customers by enhancing daily life through the products and services we provide.

This position provides key leadership in the continuous improvement of Westlake Vinyls’ Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan (PSM and RMP) programs. The role includes ownership of the development and implementation of goals, standards and expectations for the PSM and RMP programs. The PSM and RMP programs will hereafter be referred to in this document collectively as the PSM program.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead for Westlake Vinyls’ PSM program and act as the plant subject matter expert on PSM/RMP regulations and related issues.
• Work with Corporate Health, Safety & Environmental to develop and implement goals, standards, policies and expectations for the company’s PSM program. This includes developing measurable metrics, monitoring those metrics and providing regular reports to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain a working knowledge of PSM/RMP regulations and regulatory interpretations.
• Demonstrate strong computer skills and the capability to learn new software systems. This position will maintain and continue to develop the electronic MOC and procedure systems.
• Provide direct oversight and quality assurance while managing the day-to-day activities associated with the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) process, and manage PHA action plans to closure.
• Maintain files to demonstrate compliance with all regulatory requirements (inspections, procedures, checklists, etc.).
• Conduct regular internal audits of PSM program elements and analyze the resulting data to identify and implement program improvements.
• Provide annual reporting of API PSE data to employees and resident contractors.
• Assist in investigations of accidents, injuries, near‑misses and unsafe conditions. Utilize the corporate‑approved RCA methods to determine root causes and prepare required reports.
• Assume the duties of other department members as needed during illness, vacation or other absences.
• Provide emergency on‑call HSE coverage for the complex.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Fully support company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at both strategic and tactical levels, including:
  1. Reviewing areas of responsibility for improvement opportunities.
  2. Initiating projects or communicating ideas to management.
  3. Actively participating on project teams.
• Operate company vehicles as required in the performance of job duties.

Education, Experience And Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Eight (8) years of refinery or chemical plant experience is preferred.
• Must have legal authorization to work in the U.S. on a full‑time basis for any employer other than the current employer.
• Experience with Process Hazard Analysis and Safety Instrumented Systems is preferred.
• Apollo RCA facilitator training is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills required, including proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and master new software products.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to touch, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee may be required to use stairs/elevators and must have the ability to occasionally work at elevated heights. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must make general decisions requiring judgment and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, as the position is normally based in an office. Some work may be required in the operating units, which can necessitate the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection and flame‑resistant clothing (FRC), among others. Work in operating units may also result in exposure to outside elements and may require the use of stairs and elevators. Travel, including air or automobile travel, may occasionally be required.

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.