Production Engineer

SUMMARY

The Production Engineer is an individual contributor role that will report directly to the Unit Manager. Supervises day to day operation of all or part of the chemical facility while maintaining Environmental, Health and Safety standards by performing the following duties (other duties may be assigned).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Conduct research to develop new and/or improve current chemical manufacturing processes

• Design, plan, layout, and oversee constructing, controlling, and improving equipment to carry out chemical processes on commercial scale

• Analyze operating procedures and equipment and promptly implement improvements to reduce processing time and cost

• Design and plan measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and pilot plant operations

• Determine most effective arrangement of unit operations exercising judgment to compromise between process requirements, economic evaluation, operator effectiveness, and physical and health hazards

• Perform tests and take measurements throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.

• Apply principles of chemical engineering to solve problems

• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine causes of nonconformity with product specifications, and operating or production problems.

• Monitor day to day equipment performance and reliability of all operational equipment

• Review lab sample results to ensure conforming product is being produced

• Work to identify safety, technical and efficiency improvements within the facility

• Review critical raw material parameters daily

• Communicate with Shift Supervisors and operators about activities scheduled during their shift, including maintenance activities, unit performance, and safe work requirements

• Work with Maintenance to ensure that all required equipment inspections are completed on time, including vessel inspections, SRV inspections, etc.

• Serve as back up to shift supervisors.

• Write maintenance work orders to repair equipment when needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering

• Minimum 2 years of industry experience desired, preferably in a PSM covered, continuous chemical manufacturing process facility

• Works successfully under moderate supervision

• Has the ability to apply and interpret statistical tools and applications for the optimization of large systems and processes

• Ability to successfully manage small to mid-size projects, processes, or work groups

• Demonstrates leadership skills and has ability to lead small teams

• Process Safety Management experience desired

• Strong communication skills; both verbal and written are required

• SAP experience preferred

• Chlor-alkali experience a plus

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US markets. The base pay range for this position is $90,000 to $145,000. This range is based on relevant market data in our lowest and highest geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, experience and skillset. Westlake is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, sign on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package (also to include a full range of medical and other benefits.

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 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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.