Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
Salary Range:
$124,200.00 - $207,000.00This pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation that the position offers, and final compensation can vary within the range depending on work location, job experience, skills, and relevant educational attainment and/or training.
Job Title: Principal Consultant
Location: Houston
Employment Type: full-time
The job
Key responsibilities
Lead the execution of process simulation and optimization projects, ensuring technical excellence while meeting customer requirements, budgets, and project timelines.
Review process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and plant data; develop, configure, and validate open-equation process models; automate model workflows and support commissioning of online applications.
Build and maintain deep expertise in optimization technologies (APO/APS), applying them effectively and innovatively to solve complex operational challenges.
Apply strong domain knowledge in refining, petrochemical, and upstream production processes, including a clear understanding of key operating variables and economic drivers.
Plan, execute, and review Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities for APO/APS solutions to ensure compliance with design specifications and functional requirements.
Diagnose and resolve issues related to model configuration, process design, and plant operations, implementing corrective actions to achieve performance and optimization targets.
Support the solution sales process by providing technical expertise, including delivering client presentations, preparing proposals, and contributing to scope definition, benefits analysis, cost estimation, and project scheduling.
Onsite travel to the customer sites for commissioning activities and support as needed.
Desired skills
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Refinery Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with at least 3 years of relevant experience; candidates with higher degrees are strongly preferred.
Hands-on experience with process simulation and optimization tools, with familiarity or working knowledge of APO/ROMeo or similar platforms highly desirable.
Minimum 5+ years of experience developing, testing, or implementing process optimization and simulation applications in online environment.
Strong foundation in core chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, mass and energy balances, and transport phenomena.
Working knowledge of project execution methodologies, including planning, scheduling, and delivery within defined scope, cost, and timelines.
Proficiency in computer programming and scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, TCL or similar) to support model development and automation.
Experience with open-equation modeling frameworks and their application in industrial process optimization.
Understanding of Model Predictive Control (MPC) concepts and exposure to MPC solutions from multiple vendors.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in refining, oil & gas, and petrochemical process environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
USA Benefits include:
Flex work hours, 20 days PTO rising to 25 with service, three paid volunteering days, primary and secondary parental leave, well-being support, medical, dental, vision, and 401K.
It’s possible we’re hiring for this position in multiple countries, in which case the above benefits apply to the primary location. Specific benefits vary by country, but our packages are similarly comprehensive.
Find out more: aveva.com/en/about/careers/benefits/
Hybrid working
We work in a hybrid way at AVEVA. Most roles are based at a local AVEVA office, with an expectation of being on-site 50% of your working hours to support collaboration and connection. Some positions are fully office-based depending on the nature of the work, and certain roles that support specific customers or markets may be remote. The working arrangement for this position will be confirmed during the hiring process.
Hiring process
Interested? Great! Get started by submitting your cover letter and CV through our application portal. AVEVA is committed to recruiting and retaining people with disabilities. Please let us know in advance if you need reasonable support during your application process.
Find out more: aveva.com/en/about/careers/hiring-process
About Aveva
Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Aveva


More Technical Services Jobs

