Automation & Process Control Engineer

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Position Title:

Automation & Process Control Engineer

FLSA:
Exempt

Department:
Technology & Engineering

Works with:
All plant and corporate personnel

Reports to:

Engineering Manager

Revision Date: 12/08/25

The Automation & Process Control Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and is responsible for the A&PC function. The engineer designs, implements, supports, and optimizes automated systems such as PLCs, HMIs, Emerson Delta

V, and instrumentation to improve process safety, manufacturing efficiency, and output. Responsibilities include programming, troubleshooting complex process issues, leading continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with standards, and collaborating with senior process engineers, instrumentation and controls specialists, electrical and instrumentation technicians, and operations leaders. Additional duties support the Process Safety Management (PSM) Program, managing Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and other Process Safety Elements, assisting with Management of Change (MOC) initiatives and Capital Expenditure (Cap Ex) projects by developing P&IDs and control logic for new commercial facilities, and supporting the DCS Guardian by managing Emerson Delta

V equipment, hardware, and software in each operational area. The role requires the ability to troubleshoot process upsets and implement process improvements to enhance safety and production rates.

• System Design & Implementation: develop and configure control systems (Emerson Delta
  
  V, PLCs, SCADA, HMI) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
• Troubleshooting & Support: provide expert technical support for complex operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and resolve process deviations.
• Optimization & Improvement: analyze process data to identify opportunities for optimization, reduce manual interventions, and enhance performance metrics.
• Project Management: lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Documentation & Compliance: create and maintain technical documents (P&IDs, equipment layout schematics, operating procedures). Ensure adherence to industry standards (OSHA, PSM).
• Support experimental operating instructions (EOI’s) and Test Authorizations (TA’s) to improve safety, quality, environment, and/or cost of the production unit.
• Expert troubleshooting skills: analyze process control operations and data; apply process knowledge; identify root causes of operational issues.
• Recognize when process is out of control and understand necessary recovery steps.
• Oversee Cause & Effect and Standard Operating Condition (SOC’s) tables in operating procedures.
• Manage equipment files and process drawing updates.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in process control or automation engineering, preferably in fertilizer, chemical, petrochemical, or related continuous manufacturing industries.
• Experience with DCS/PLC platforms commonly used in chemical and fertilizer operations.

• Strong knowledge of process instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, pH, analyzers).
• Familiarity with ammonia, urea, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, or other fertilizer production processes (preferred).
• Experience with P&IDs, loop sheets, cause-and-effect matrices, and control narratives.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, OPC, etc.).
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Project management and vendor coordination skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Ability to move through industrial facilities, climb stairs/ladders, and work in both office and plant environments.
• Ability to wear PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and hearing protection as required.

Location:

Houston, TX

Estimated Salary: $100,000–$175,000 annually

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.