Senior Process Control Engineer

The Senior Process Control Engineer reports to the Process Control Group Supervisor, and is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing process control systems to improve process safety, reliability, throughput and production efficiency. The role will provide technical support in basic regulatory control design and performance, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) lifecycle activities, Advanced Process Control (APC), and troubleshooting of control and safety systems.

Location/Travel Information:
This position is currently based in Freeport, TX. It will also require frequent travel to company facilities in Freeport and other off-site locations as needed. This position requires the incumbent to hold a valid, unexpired driver license at all times in order to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Demonstrate knowledge of process control principles (basic and advanced regulatory loop control and tuning, sequence logic, discrete control) and use them to assess/support area/plant automation performance.
• Collaborate with operations and process engineering teams to drive process improvements, reduce variability through loop tuning, and support other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement control strategies to improve plant stability, cont rollability, and efficiency.
• Assist with deployment of Advanced Process Control (APC) applications to maximize plant throughput and optimize product recovery and energy usage.
• Develop the financial basis for process control improvements.
• Complete controls-related action items identified by hazard analysis, RCFA or other gap identification processes.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers(PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and other controls-related systems.

• Conduct SIS lifecycle activities including validation, configuration, modifications, and compliance with functional safety standards.
• Participate in HAZOP, HAZID, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) reviews.
• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and support plant trip investigations.
• Provide support for Basic Process Control System (BPCS), APC, SIS, Low-Integrity Protection Systems (LI-PL), Burner Management Systems (BMS), Fire & Gas, Emergency Shutdown (ESD), and related systems.
• Provide technical support for capital projects involving instrumentation and controls.
• Support preparation for and execution of plant turnarounds.

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in instrumentation or process controls in LNG, petrochemical, or related heavy process industries.
• Proficiency with DCS and PLC configuration, programming and loop tuning
• Hands-on expertise with process control and instrumented protective systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• Intermediate knowledge of ANSI/ISA 61511 and the SIS lifecycle.
• Experience with Honeywell DCS and Safety Systems.
• Familiarity with government agencies such as ERCOT, FERC, DOT/PHMSA, TCEQ, and OSHA and be familiar with regulations at an intermediate level.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards for control systems.
• Familiarity with Alarm Management principles.
• Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC) application and deployment.

• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and work with all levels of the organization, including operations, technical, plant management, contractors and…