Description

BASIC FUNCTION

The OPEX Engineer (Operational Excellence Engineer) drives operational excellence by improving plant performance, standardizing business processes, and ensuring consistent execution through data-driven performance management and effective governance of business processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Performance Management

? Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics (e.g., OAE and other KPIs)

? Develop and maintain regular performance reporting for plant leadership

? Identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities across operations

? Support the OPEX manager as key interface for external stakeholders
• Business Process Quality Management (operations)

? Define, implement, and continuously improve standardized business processes

? Ensure adherence to internal standards, procedures, and governance frameworks

? Conduct process audits and identify inefficiencies or compliance gaps

? Establish and maintain process documentation, workflows, and control systems

? Drive a culture of continuous improvement in effectiveness of the operation group's business processes

? Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions related to process failures
• Standardization & Governance

? Establish and manage the plant's operational cadence (meetings, reporting cycles)

? Track and follow up on action implementation and escalation when needed

? Implement and maintain visual management systems, dashboards, and other reporting tools to provide
data-driven insights for operations decision making

? Drive alignment and consistency across departments through standardized ways of working
• Continuous Improvement Enablement

? Lead and steer improvement initiatives (e.g., aftercare, stellar, structured problem-solving)

? Promote Lean / Operational Excellence methodologies across the site

? Train and coach teams on OPEX principles and other continuous improvement techniques/tools such as structured problem-solving

? Support innovation and digitalization initiatives

? Ensure sustainability of improvements through proper governance and follow-up
• Interfaces

? Production, Maintenance, and HSSE Engineering teams

? Project & Technical Services (PTS) team

? Plant leadership
• Key Focus

? Short- to medium-term performance improvement

? Process discipline, standardization, and transparency

? Sustainable operational excellence
• Position supports 24hr operation and may require overtime to meet plant needs and site deadlines
• Perform other duties as assigned

CORE VALUES

Must exhibit and demonstrate our 4 Core Values
• Caring: Dedicated to Safety, Employees, Customers, Community and Environment
• Trustworthy: Living a Culture of Openness, Honesty and Collaboration
• Connected: Build Strong Partnerships
• Driven for Excellence: Commit to Continuous Improvement

COMPETENCIES
• Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keep job knowledge current
• Productivity - Manages workload, works efficiently, meets goals and objectives
• Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services
• Safety - HSSE - Works in a safe manner, uses PPE, recognizes hazards, makes safety suggestions and observations, current on Training Mine

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

(other technical degrees will be considered depending upon the relevant experience of the individual)
• 2-5+ years of experience in an engineering role within a chemical manufacturing environment
• Solid problem-solving capabilities, including structured and data-driven approaches
• Strong technical understanding of industrial processes and plant operations
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Able to facilitate alignment and maintain accountability across teams to ensure timely completion of actions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Exceptional computer literacy. Aptitude and ability to self-educate in the effective use of computer software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify performance gaps, and drive process improvements
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of experience in petrochemical or polymer manufacturing environments
• Prior experience in Operational Excellence, Lean, or Continuous Improvement roles (2+ years)
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent methodology training
• Working knowledge of Distributed Process Control systems and Data Historians
• Working knowledge of digital tools, data platforms, and cloud-based applications supporting operations
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Power Query, dashboards)
• Proficient in the use of SAP

PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the incumbent to:
• Follow site safety requirements for the role and wear mandatory FRC and PPE (foot, head, ear, eye, hand, and fall protection) when inside plant environment or where directed by signage or procedure
• Read, understand and develop technical documents and procedures in English
• Specific vision abilities include near, far, and intermediate distances, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Required to work at ground level, from ladders, and from heights greater than 250' above grade on fixed platforms, mobile equipment platforms, and scaffolding
• Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders with and without a safety cage
• Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 24" manways
• Must be capable of lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 25 pounds
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, crawling, walking, and climbing
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Work at computer for significant periods of time throughout the day
• Required to reach overhead and at shoulder level with hands and arms
• Must demonstrate fine and gross motor coordination including pinching, gripping, turning, and keyboarding of both hands
• Move about uneven surfaces, including catwalks, deck grating, and wet and muddy areas
• Work outside in all weather conditions walking up to ½ mile per job