Sr. Process Engineer

Responsibilities

• Perform routine engineering calculations such as piping hydraulics, PSV sizing, pump/motor sizing and evaluations, and conversion calculations.
• Use process simulation software to evaluate complex problems, size/rate equipment, and conduct mass and energy balances.
• Monitor unit operating data and keep technical and operations management informed of current constraints.
• Assist Operations in evaluating unit performance and troubleshooting problems.
• Prepare and follow‑up on reports concerning catalyst life, performance, regeneration, and unit requirements.
• Initiate proactive recommendations to improve unit yields and optimize energy consumption.
• Understand refinery flows, heat and material balances, feeds, distillation processes, and products.
• Maintain and evaluate an informational database of operating history for all pertinent process variables; update PFDs, P&IDs, and Unit Health Monitoring KPIs.
• Perform studies on the effects of operating variables on product quality, yield, and profitability.
• Supply technical data for construction, operating, and environmental permit applications and reports.
• Develop process designs for new projects addressing safety, environmental concerns, reliability, and economic improvements.
• Complete conceptual process studies, determine economic feasibility, and prepare project design basis documents.
• Develop lead‑case selections from alternative analyses and write process specifications for problem solving, optimization, or new projects, including flow diagrams, heat and material balances, and P&IDs.
• Prepare Decision Support Packages, Business Cases, and assist in AFE preparation.
• Develop and evaluate plans and criteria to execute a variety of projects.
• Support turn‑around (T/A) activities: participate in pre‑TA planning, scope reviews, equipment inspections, catalyst loading, chemical cleaning, and provide recommendations for corrections or improvements.
• Issue post‑TA reports of significant findings and lessons learned.
• Issue monthly formal Unit Performance reports, specific subject reports, and present findings in both formal and informal settings to senior management and operations teams.
• Participate in Operations Line Team Meetings and weekly Process Engineering Group meetings.
• Be available to answer calls and respond to refinery‑related issues outside of regular business hours; on‑call responsibilities required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering (required).
• Minimum 5 years of process engineering experience in a petroleum refinery (required).
• Process simulation experience (required).
• Experience with multiple refinery process units (preferred).
• Able and willing to work on‑site, in‑person at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and annual bonus program.
• 100% match on 401(k) up to 7% with immediate vesting.
• Company‑sponsored pension plan.
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellness program.

Additional Details

Primary location: Port Arthur, Texas, USA. This is a salaried exempt position (not eligible for overtime). The role requires on‑call availability and timely response to refinery‑related issues after normal working hours. All successful candidates must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and wear the card at all times while working at the refinery.