Basic FunctionThe Process Technical Specialist serves as a refinery and enterprise subject matter expert and technical authority for assigned process technologies. The position provides technical leadership and recommendations that support safe, reliable, compliant, and economically optimized operation across multiple facilities or business units.This role supports both immediate operating needs and longer-term technology stewardship by resolving complex technical and reliability issues, establishing performance expectations and operating practices, evaluating improvement opportunities, and helping sites translate technical recommendations into measurable business outcomes. The specialist provides proactive unit health monitoring as well as reactive troubleshooting, engineering studies, modeling, and detailed technical evaluations.The position develops organizational capability by mentoring and training Process Engineers and Production personnel, leading technical networks, and sharing evolving technology and industry best practices.Key interfaces include site Process Engineering and Production personnel, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Process Safety, Projects, Supply Chain, Commercial teams, technology contractors and licensors, catalyst and chemical vendors, and external technical organizations.
Job DutiesTechnical Leadership & Problem Resolution- Serve as the SME for assigned technologies and provide technical leadership across supported facilities.
- Lead resolution of complex, recurring, high-impact, and cross-functional issues using engineering analysis, modeling, and root cause investigations.
- Support sites during incidents, reliability concerns, startups, shutdowns, turnarounds, and emergencies.
- Provide independent recommendations that mitigate safety, environmental, reliability, business, and financial risks.
Performance Monitoring & Optimization- Establish KPIs, benchmarks, operating envelopes, and improvement targets.
- Identify performance gaps, emerging risks, chronic issues, and optimization opportunities with site teams.
- Use data, modeling, and engineering analysis to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
- Evaluate economics, risk, implementation requirements, and expected value to support decision-making.
- Influence operating strategies, turnaround scope, and capital priorities through technical expertise.
Technology Stewardship & Standards- Develop and maintain technology standards, best practices, operating guidelines, and performance expectations.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, licensors, catalysts, chemicals, and industry developments for adoption or standardization.
- Share knowledge through training, technical networks, guidance documents, and cross-site collaboration.
- Represent the company with licensors, vendors, research organizations, and industry groups as needed.
Capital Projects, Turnarounds & Catalyst Management- Support capital projects, revamps, debottlenecking, technology upgrades, reliability initiatives, and turnarounds.
- Participate in technical reviews, startup planning, performance testing, and post-implementation evaluations.
- Provide leadership for catalyst and chemical selection, optimization, performance monitoring, and implementation.
- Fulfill Catalyst Management Standard requirements and maintain independent technical judgment in vendor interactions.
Training, Mentoring & Organizational Capability- Develop training, mentoring, and technical support programs to strengthen organizational capability.
- Support onboarding and development of engineers and technical personnel.
- Create learning materials and share lessons learned, best practices, and industry developments.
- Identify competency gaps and support capability development.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Site Engagement- Provide leadership within technical teams and communities of practice.
- Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Projects, Process Safety, Commercial, and Leadership teams.
- Serve as a trusted technical advisor and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Conduct site visits to support troubleshooting, technology reviews, performance improvement, and field verification.
Other Duties- Perform additional duties, projects, and special assignments as assigned.
Experience- A minimum of 10 years of technical experience in the refining industry is required.
- Demonstrated experience applying engineering fundamentals to refinery process operations, troubleshooting, optimization, reliability improvement, and technical decision-making.
- Experience leading complex technical evaluations and working effectively with cross-functional and multi-site teams.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical recommendations clearly and influence decisions without relying solely on formal authority.
Education Level- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, is required.
Required SkillsAbility to lead and direct the work of other associates. A significant amount of experience in engineering, as well as experience in the energy industry, is essential. Advanced reading and writing skills; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with others; and the ability to perform advanced mathematical calculations.
Supervisory/Managerial ResponsibilityRequires working closely with outside engineering firms, other companies, and in some case governmental agencies. No direct supervision is required: ability to lead cross functional teams is required
Work ConditionsOffice and refinery based and with up to 20% travel by land and air required. Petroleum refinery, warehouse/plant environment and out of doors, including but not limited to chemicals, pressure vessels, tanks, rotating equipment, and working in confined spaces. Subject to all weather including outdoors, and varying road conditions.
BenefitsHF Sinclair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid Time-Off
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
- Educational Reimbursement
- Parental Bonding Time
- Employee Discounts
We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees have the resources needed to thrive professionally and personally. Benefit eligibility is governed by official plan documents, for more details visit Total Rewards.
Physical RequirementsJob conditions require standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing, making visual inspections, making precise hand and finger movements, lifting and/or carrying up to 50 lbs, climbing up to 100 ft, perceive color differences, required to wear personal protective equipment (beards not permitted) as needed and a respirator in emergency situations. Job conditions may require twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and reaching or grasping.
