Position Overview:Serve as the primary process engineering resource embedded within the production operation provide day-to-day process engineering support to the Production Supervisor and operating team for troubleshooting, process optimization, and unit performance improvement.
What you will be doing:- Monitor and analyze process data using OSIsoft PI Vision - track key process variables (temperatures, pressures, flows, concentrations, conversion efficiency) across all production units; identify trends, deviations, and developing issues; generate process performance summaries and reports for the Production Supervisor and Operations Manager.
- Provide production troubleshooting support - assist the Production Supervisor and operators in diagnosing process upsets, off-spec production, equipment deviations, and unit inefficiencies; develop and communicate corrective operating guidance; participate in post-event reviews and document learnings.
- Own MDC (Maximum Daily Capacity) testing and debottlenecking - design and execute MDC tests in coordination with the Production Supervisor; analyze test results; identify process and operational constraints that limit throughput; develop and implement operating recommendations to maximize production to MDC rate; document results and track improvement actions.
- Own VMC (Variable Manufacturing Cost) oversight - monitor and track variable manufacturing cost drivers per ton of acid produced including water, electricity, Mag Hydroxide, and sulfur/spent acid feed ratios; compare actual usage to budget targets; identify deviations and opportunities to reduce operating costs; develop and implement operating changes to improve VMC efficiency; report VMC performance to Operations Manager on a regular cadence.
- Participate actively in PHAs and the site PHMP (Process Hazard Management Program) - serve as an active technical contributor in all PHA and HAZOP reviews per the PHMP revalidation schedule; ensure current operating conditions, known deviations, and production constraints are accurately represented in hazard scenarios; track and drive closure of PHA action items assigned to the operations function in Enablon; support accurate maintenance of PHMP documentation.
- Support the MOC (Management of Change) process for operational and process changes - provide process engineering review and technical input on MOCs affecting production operations; assist with documentation and training coordination.
- Own and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assigned production units - ensure procedures accurately reflect current operating conditions, approved operating limits, and best practices; initiate MOCs for any required procedure revisions.
- Support production KPI tracking and reporting - assist in developing and maintaining production dashboards covering OEE, MDC rate, VMC, and SUMO status; generate process performance summaries for daily and weekly production reviews.
- Support turnaround (TA) activities - provide process engineering input on TA scope development; participate in PSSR completion; monitor unit performance during startup and ramp-up to MDC; identify and respond to post-TA process deviations.
- Coordinate with the Technical & Capital teams on CI initiatives, engineering projects, and process studies assigned by the Operations Manager.
- Support RCFA investigations - provide process data analysis and engineering expertise; participate in incident investigation teams; develop corrective action recommendations.
- Actively support and enforce the plant's HS&E standards and Ecovyst 20 Principles for Managing Behavioral and Operational Safety.
- Support Management Team initiatives and help drive organizational change.
Required Qualifications:- B.S. in Chemical Engineering required; 2-5 years of process engineering experience in a chemical manufacturing or process industry environment.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills - ability to use OSIsoft PI Vision for process data trending, deviation identification, and performance analysis; Microsoft Excel for reporting, cost tracking, and process modeling.
- Experience with or strong aptitude for production cost analysis - ability to monitor, interpret, and act on VMC usage data (water, electricity, raw material consumption rates) to drive operating cost reduction.
- MDC testing and debottlenecking experience preferred; demonstrated ability to design and execute production trials, interpret results, and translate findings into operating recommendations.
- PSM and PHMP familiarity required - working knowledge of OSHA 1910.119 elements including PHA, MOC, PSSR, and mechanical integrity; must be capable of serving as an active technical contributor in PHA and HAZOP reviews; familiarity with the PHMP revalidation schedule, action item tracking, and documentation requirements.
- Proficient in SAP for production reporting, notification entry, and work order support; Enablon for action item tracking; Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to develop, revise, and maintain standard operating procedures - must be able to interpret current operations and translate them into clear, accurate written procedures.
- Ability to read and work from P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment operating manuals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate process engineering findings and recommendations clearly to operators, supervisors, and site leadership.
- Ability to work in the plant operating area - climb stairs, conduct field walks, and work wearing appropriate PPE including SCBA when required.
- Working knowledge of DCDA sulfuric acid process or similar gas-phase catalytic chemistry preferred but not required for entry-level candidates.
