SR Engineer Process Safety

Overview

This position provides key leadership in the continuous improvement of Westlake Vinyls’ Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan (PSM and RMP) programs. It includes ownership of the development and implementation of goals, standards, and expectations for the PSM and RMP programs.

• 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, including measurable metrics and reporting.
• Maintain a working knowledge of PSM/RMP regulations and regulatory interpretations.
• Demonstrate strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software systems, maintaining and developing the electronic MOC and procedure systems.
• Provide direct oversight and quality assurance while managing day‑to‑day activities of 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 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 using corporate‑approved RCA methods to determine root causes and prepare reports.
• Assume 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 reviewing responsibility areas for improvement opportunities, initiating projects or communicating ideas to management, and actively participating on project teams.
• Operate company vehicles as required in the performance of job duties.

• 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.

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 include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position requires general decision making requiring judgment and sustained concentration.

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 may necessitate the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection and flame‑resistant clothing (FRC). 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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.