Refinery Process Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

TPC Group is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to translate business needs into tangible value through creative and innovative process design. This position has an important role in developing new process designs with R&D while also updating existing designs for projects to expand capacity, reduce costs, enhance process safety and compliance.

This role is part of a collaborative process engineering/R&D team that bridges fundamental chemistry and real-world applications, translating molecular innovation into measurable performance benefits in end-use systems. The successful candidate will have a natural curiosity with unwavering desire for process improvement and optimization with the ability to work across functions to bring ideas from concept to commercialization. Demonstrated creativity & proactive approaches to identifying and creating value is a must. The successful candidate will demonstrate being a change agent and one who works with a sense of urgency, who is excited about problem solving and implementing technical developments.

Experience Should Include:

Process Design/Capital Projects/EPC

• Develops thorough and complete process design packages (PDP’s) in accordance with project schedules in support of capital projects. Such packages include the design basis, PFDs, equipment specifications, and economics for viable design alternatives.
• Conducts option analysis for all process designs to identify most effective business solutions.
• Fluent in FEL process and preferred experience with EPC project work and engineering packages reviews.
• Complies with all regulations, RAGAGEPs, and internal requirements applicable to process design.
• Proficient in the use of process design software and simulation packages such as Aspen Plus, Aspen EDR, SiNET, etc

Process Technology

• Knowledgeable of a number of different types and uses of technology for a variety of applications is desirable. Experience in technologies relevant to TPC such as: C4 extractive distillation, hydrogenation/dehydrogenation, isobutylene derivatives (MTBE, ETBE, PIB, DIB, MMA, butyl rubber, etc), as well as in the areas of energy/sustainability efforts is a plus.
• Leads feasibility studies for technology improvement programs.
• Translates laboratory and process development data into equipment and unit designs, process design packages.

Process Safety

• Participates and supports project specific PHA’s.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management is essential.
• Experience working in PSM coverage facilities.

Scale-Up & Process Integration

• Work with appropriate development team(s) to transition successful chemistries from the laboratory to pilot and production scale.
• Use Design of Experiments (DoE) and data-driven methodologies to optimize process conditions and ensure reproducibility.
• Experience working with toller manufacturing as a means to scale up technology advancements is a plus.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifies and develop process solutions which meet the performance and flexibility needs of the business.
• Performs process simulation and other modeling needed to evaluate potential process and equipment design alternatives.
• Leads larger capital projects (>$150k) by developing scope / PDD’s, creating/leading vetting presentations, and assisting with the FEL process.
• Develops or modifies process flowsheets, including PFDs and P&IDs.
• Applies approved design practices, work processes, and design tools to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions.
• Leads feasibility studies for technology improvement programs.
• Applies regulatory requirements (laws, RAGAGEPs, and company standards) to process design.
• Conducts economic analysis to various design options to facilitate the most effective business solutions.
• Business Development Support (including work on R&D projects).
• Creates technical documentation and ensures learnings are being published.
• Interfaces with Plant Engineering to:
• Evaluate data for projects to optimize the process.
• Address technical issues which require advanced process troubleshooting and modeling.
• Develop and lead long-term project scopes (option and benefit analysis) for unit related improvement projects.
• Be primary contact or interface for the unit for R&D programs and initiatives.
• Address technical issues that require long-term solutions.

Behaviors that lead to success at TPC:

• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work.
• Be nimble, embrace the speed and ambiguity of TPC culture.
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule.
• Ability to make conclusions with limited data yet drives to make data-based decisions and conclusions.
• Be comfortable working in multiple roles (ie, wearing multiple hats).
• Respect for others. Strong collaboration capabilities; approachable, supportive, and group oriented.
• Creative problem solving.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in the industry.

Working Environment:

• Comfortable working in an industrial environment
• Able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, climb stairs & ladders.
• Able to (infrequently) work shifts during pilot plant campaigns and operational turnarounds.
• Able to take part in operations turnaround activities (including: entry into vessels, towers, reactors).

Applicants must be eligible to work continually for any US employer without any company sponsorship.