Process Engineer at Plainsman LLC – Lubbock, Texas

Department: Operations Reports To: VP of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt Worker Category: Full-Time

Schedule:

7 AM - 5 PM, MON - FRI, with occasional call-ins on weekends/after hours.

Pay: Based on experience

Position Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and improving all phases of cottonseed processing, including seed preparation, hull separation, flaking, cooking, mechanical pressing, solvent extraction (if applicable), oil refining, and meal production.

This role focuses on maximizing oil yield, improving plant throughput, reducing solvent and steam consumption, maintaining product quality, and supporting safe, compliant operations within the oil mill.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Process Monitoring & Optimization

• Monitor daily production metrics
• Conduct mass balance and heat balance calculations for processing equipment.
• Adjust process parameters to improve oil yield and reduce waste.
• Optimize dehulling, cracking, flaking, cooking, pressing, and extraction processes.
• Reduce bottlenecks and improve processing efficiency.

2. Solvent Extraction & Refining Support

• Monitor solvent recovery systems and minimize hexane loss.
• Support distillation, desolventizing-toasting (DT), and stripping systems.
• Optimize refining stages, including:
  • Degumming
  • Neutralization
  • Bleaching
  • Deodorization
• Ensure environmental compliance related to VOC emissions.

3. Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Lead projects targeting:
  • Steam reduction
  • Electrical consumption optimization
  • Downtime reduction
  • Yield improvement
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured improvement methodologies.
• Develop SOPs and update operating parameters based on improvements.

4. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) programs for solvent systems.
• Conduct hazard analyses for process modifications.
• Support safety audits and training initiatives.

5. Quality Control

• Work closely with QA to maintain oil quality specifications.
• Monitor free fatty acid (FFA) levels, color, moisture, and impurities.
• Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective measures.
• Maintain documentation for feed and oil regulatory compliance.

6. Capital Projects & Engineering Support

• Assist in designing and implementing equipment upgrades.
• Review and develop PFDs and P&IDs.
• Support plant expansions or debottlenecking projects.
• Coordinate with maintenance and external contractors during shutdowns.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, industrial, or other engineering with relevant experience.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in oilseed processing, edible oil refining, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Experience in high-temperature and solvent-based processing preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Oilseed preparation systems
  • Extraction systems
  • Heat exchangers and steam systems
  • Pumps and process controls
• Ability to perform data analysis and interpret production trends.
• Proficient in Excel and process monitoring software.

Physical Requirements

• Work in hot, industrial environments.
• Exposure to dust, noise, and moving equipment.
• Climb ladders and stairs frequently.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional weekend or emergency support required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Oil yield percentage
• Residual oil in meal
• Solvent loss rate
• Steam and energy usage
• Production throughput
• Safety performance metrics

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes

USER-DEFINED:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

REASONING ABILITY: Understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, climb stairs, ladders, and Cat Walks at heights of 30+ feet. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. It is essential to know the following:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. Use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, respirators, hearing protectors, etc., is required in designated areas.

Review next Section for EEO Statement and Agreement

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Plainsman, LLC. Industries Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and believe that a variety of perspectives foster innovation and success. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and training practices are designed to ensure fairness and equity for all employees.

Plainsman, LLC. complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and other relevant statutes.