Process Engineer

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer will provide additional engineering and operational support for ongoing chemical pilot plant projects in a contract capacity. This position combines process engineering, data analysis, hands-on pilot plant operations, troubleshooting, and process system design. The Process Engineer will work closely with operations and engineering teams to generate and analyze process data, produce hydrocarbon and chemical products, prepare technical reports, and support the safe and efficient operation of chemical pilot plant systems.

This is a hands-on position that requires mechanical aptitude and the flexibility to support shift operations in a 24/5 and, at times, 24/7 operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide process engineering support for ongoing chemical pilot plant projects.
• Compile and analyze process and operating data.
• Generate technical reports, data summaries, and engineering documentation.
• Develop mass balances and perform process calculations using Microsoft Excel and other engineering tools.
• Work closely with operations personnel to generate process data and hydrocarbon/chemical products.
• Operate chemical pilot plant equipment as part of a shift team.
• Troubleshoot process equipment and operating issues.
• Assist with the installation, modification, and startup of process equipment.
• Support equipment maintenance, shutdowns, and turnarounds.
• Assist with the development and revision of safety procedures, operating procedures, and operating instructions.
• Prepare process and product samples as required.
• Perform pilot unit cleanup and support general plant housekeeping activities.
• Work with pumps, heat tracing, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, piping systems, and various chemicals.
• Assist with and supervise pilot plant operations and plant design activities as needed.
• Support process control system activities and chemical process operations using various control strategies.
• Provide mechanical design support when directly related to process engineering activities.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, operations, maintenance, and other technical personnel.

Engineering & Technical Responsibilities

• Pressure-drop calculations.
• Heat-transfer calculations, including conductive and convective heat transfer.
• Flow velocity calculations.
• Pipe sizing.
• Particle transport calculations.
• Mass and energy balances.
• Thermodynamic calculations.
• Process equipment evaluation and troubleshooting.
• Process control strategies and system optimization.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 0 years of experience required; up to 2+ years of related experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret process and operating data.
• Ability to perform mass balances and thermodynamic calculations.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to participate in the hands-on construction, modification, and troubleshooting of process systems.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple engineering and operational responsibilities.
• Strong written communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an engineering and operations team.
• Willingness and ability to work varying shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with pilot plant or demonstration-scale operations.
• Experience working in a chemical processing, petrochemical, hydrocarbon, or similar industrial environment.
• Familiarity with Solid Works, CAD, or similar engineering/design software is a plus.
• Experience with process control systems and control strategies.
• Experience with equipment installation, startup, maintenance, and turnaround activities.
• Hands-on experience working with pumps, piping, heaters, heat tracing, and other process equipment.
• Experience preparing technical procedures, operating instructions, and engineering reports.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Position will involve both engineering/design work and hands-on chemical pilot plant operations.
• Outdoor work will be required.
• Shift work will be required periodically to support…