Unit Process Engineer; Operations Support

Job Description Summary

The Vertex Mobile, Alabama Refinery Unit Process Engineer will be responsible for daily unit operational support, analyzing data and sharing monitoring results about unit health and run length, and longer‑term scope development that supports site improvement. This role is highly visible to the organization and drives crucial operational tactics across functions. Development in‑role also includes opportunities to cross‑train in other Refining areas and the newly configured VGO Hydrocracker / Base Oil unit.

The refinery has several areas supported by Unit Process Engineers and Operations Specialist teams.

• Proactive unit monitoring, data assessment and tracking, and projection of unit health including yields and catalyst performance
• Identify operating constraints and drive direction to Operations to optimize daily operations, as well as communicate limits and needs to stakeholders
• Identify and guide margin opportunities
• Design and support unit test runs
• Ownership of area alarm management and design/integrity operating window monitoring
• Partner with unit Operations Specialist to select operating targets and support healthy unit operations
• Identify and work to resolve threats to safe operation and reliability of the asset
• Prioritize opportunities and analyze proposed benefits to gain site support
• Troubleshoot unit upsets and support front line Operations staff to identify causes during abnormal situations
• Field walks for data gathering and safety observations
• Monitor performance and enforce expectations for environmental compliance

• Develop, risk‑rank, and support execution of maintenance and turnaround outage scope relevant to support the pre‑conceived run length for the units
• Shift work as required to support technical inspection needs during unit turnarounds, including catalyst load monitoring
• Perform internal process equipment inspections during maintenance outages
• Develop scope inputs for multi‑year budgeting cycles to assure asset reliability
• As needed, manage catalyst budget and timing of orders to ensure adequate delivery and appropriate load plan

• Own small plant changes from design through execution, engage with support disciplines and participate in hazard reviews
• Participate in larger project work processes including basis of design generation, design reviews, and hazard analysis
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis studies to identify and assess Process Safety threats, and develop recommendations to mitigate the threats

• Participate in/lead causal learning activities to identify causes and support development of solutions that can eliminate root causes of the studied issues
• Develop deeper technical knowledge through work tasks as well as technical trainings
• Cross‑train to understand and support other unit operating areas
• Develop leadership competences by leading multi‑discipline teams to accomplish site goals (abnormal situation management, management of change, causal learning activities)

• BS Chemical Engineering degree required
• Preferred Experience Range: 5+ years of total experience, including 2+ years in refining
• Knowledge of project work processes, including Management of Change preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills (written & verbal)

• Work in an industrial environment; occasional outside work climbing ladders and stairs, entering confined spaces, lifting up to 50 lbs. sometimes in inclement weather
• Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently on a full‑time basis without requiring sponsorship.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the United States.
• Must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently.
• Hold or be able to qualify to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card - Information may be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Adhere to site alcohol and drug standards including random drug screenings
• As part of the pre‑employment selection process, candidates are required to submit to and receive satisfactory…