Engineer Sr. (Brine Field)

SUMMARY

We have a great opportunity for a Salt Brine Cavern Engineer to join our Westlake South production team. This position will make decisions and recommendations that are recognized as expert in brine field operations, salt dome geology and aquifer reservoirs, salt cavern asset management, solution mining, , pipeline management, safety regulations and salt cavern risk mitigation.  Development of long-term brine field plans for the Lake Charles South site will be driven by this role. Operating standards and best practice sharing/implementation will also be led by this role, demonstrating a high degree of technical knowledge, experience, and mature judgment in planning, organizing and guiding Westlake salt operation assets.  This position will be stationed at Sulphur dome.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops strategy and serves technical adviser in Brine Cavern/Salt Deposit Management and Risk Mitigation
• Optimizes long-term planning for the development plans for Starks and Sulphur salt/brine assets.
• Provides technical support to Westlake Engineering, Operations and Maintenance departments for salt/brine wells and caverns
• Reviews and develops recommendations based on internal and external inspections of wells/caverns and establishes appropriate inspection and testing intervals, maintains inspection and test records, and monitors the testing, alteration, and repair of wells/caverns.
• Provides expertise to the sites in addressing well and cavern reliability issues.
• Oversees engineering service providers, brine well drillers, and maintenance contractors in order to implement best practices, state and federal compliance, and mechanical integrity assessments.
• Provides guidance and auditing to confirm best practice adoption and operating standard execution.
• Develops best practices and builds competence of salt/brine sources and internal brine generation for the Lake Charles South site.
• Ensures a strong safety culture through enforcing safe operations and a commitment toward environmental health and safety.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Geology or Geophysics (PE certification preferred)
• Minimum 8 years of related experience in brine field operations, geology of salt caverns, and/or petroleum well drilling for salt extraction
• Experience in interfacing with contractors and company staff on brine field management
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written
• Proficient computer skills, with good working knowledge of all standard company applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Self-directed and motivated with the ability to make sound decisions based upon technical information
• Good leadership skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, 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 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 by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.