Our client, a renewable fuels company, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer in Bakersfield, CA. Great direct hire position.

Job Summary:

The Process Engineer provides technical support for refinery operations. They are responsible unit monitoring, daily troubleshooting, operations support, process optimization, and development of small capital projects / modifications to existing units.   

Essential Functions:

•            Oversee day-to-day operational performance and optimization to ensure safe operations and that, regulatory, commercial, and logistical requirements are met

•            Monitor catalyst health and proactively report catalyst performance and end of run projections.  Work closely with the catalyst supplier when needed.

•            Identify opportunities for improvement (proactively and reactively)

•            Participate in alarm rationalization (AOA)

•            Inspect field equipment installation according to the design and fabricator's specifications during unit outages and upgrades.

•            Inspect vessel internals for proper installation and tolerances of components

•            Work with engineering and operations personnel to troubleshoot process upsets in and provide feedback on RCA (root cause analysis) reports as needed.

•            Work with vendors, licensors, and contractors to support debottlenecking, optimization, and troubleshooting as needed to maintain safe and reliable operations.

•            Provide operational technical support during test runs, commissioning, startups and shutdowns

•            Monitor daily process indicators and communicate performance, optimization opportunities, and environmental performance. Daily interaction and communication with field and board/console operators.  

•            Assist troubleshooting efforts with upsets, product quality incidents, meeting production plans, etc.

•            Provide after-hours support when appropriate – emergency call out, etc.

•            Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as part of routine reporting (WABT curve, fouling, chemical and catalyst budgets, yields, etc.)

•            Manage catalyst performance and coordinate catalyst change timing.

•            Develop justification and work scope for T/A and routine maintenance – specifically catalyst changeout, exchanger cleaning, furnace pigging, etc.  

•            Publish technical recommendation memos and turnaround reports

•            Support T/A with potential extended work schedules and/or night shifts as appropriate

•            Support/review operations procedures for start-up and shutdown

•            Review and approve vendor chemical programs

•            Small to medium capital project process engineering support

•            Lead and participate in the MOC process and participate in hazard reviews (What-Ifs, HAZOPs), support Process Safety Information (PSI) and troubleshooting

•            Support unit operation within environmental limits

•            Perform environmental calculations (leaks, maximum intended inventory, etc.)

•            Lead investigations for process related events

•            Maintain current work lists with priorities

•            Perform other tasks as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:  

•            Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful

•            Proven ability to provide process engineering support for large complex industrial projects 

•            Familiarity with applicable health and safety regulations

•            Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills

•            Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate

•            Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

•            Proficient with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite  

Education and Experience:

•            BS Chemical Engineering degree

•            MS and/or PhD Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical , preferred

6+ years of process engineering operations support experience in petrochemical, refining, and/or renewable fuels processing.

Salary range: $140,000-$200,000

Apply now for immediate and confidential consideration!