Process Engineer, Sr in Houston, Texas at Multi-Chem Group LLC

Sterling Multi-Chem (SMC) is seeking an experienced Engineer II to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This position is responsible for the performance of assigned process areas and for driving improvements in safety, reliability, quality, productivity, and overall operational efficiency.

The Engineer II applies chemical and mechanical engineering principles to understand, monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize complex manufacturing processes. This role typically has responsibility for a large process area or multiple process areas within the plant and works closely with Operations, Maintenance, HSE, Quality, and other technical teams.The successful candidate will be hands-on, analytical, and proactive, with the ability to identify potential operational issues, recommend solutions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Process & Operations Engineering

Provide day-to-day engineering support for assigned plant process areas.

Monitor process performance and evaluate operating results against established goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance targets.

Apply chemical and mechanical engineering principles to understand process behavior and predict the impact of changes in operating conditions.

Perform routine surveillance of plant operations and identify opportunities to improve safety, reliability, quality, capacity, and efficiency.

Utilize engineering applications, process data, and analytical tools to evaluate equipment and process performance.

Troubleshoot complex or recurring operational and process issues and develop sustainable corrective actions.

Anticipate changes in operating conditions and proactively recommend adjustments to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Continuous Improvement & Optimization

Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within assigned process areas.

Analyze process trends, operating data, equipment performance, and production results to identify improvement opportunities.

Lead engineering studies designed to resolve recurring problems, reduce operating costs, increase throughput, improve product quality, and enhance equipment reliability.

Develop and implement process optimization strategies in partnership with Operations and other plant functions.

Support root cause investigations and the development of corrective and preventive actions.

Projects & Capital Planning

Identify capital improvement opportunities that support plant and organizational objectives.

Develop and initiate Approvals for Expenditure (AFE) for capital projects and operational improvements.

Prepare technical justification, scope, cost estimates, and expected benefits for proposed projects.

Provide engineering support throughout project design, implementation, commissioning, and startup.

Assist plant management with medium- and long-term operational, reliability, and capital planning.

Safety & Risk Management

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure engineering activities are performed in accordance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Lead and participate in process and operational risk assessments.

Identify potential process hazards and operational risks and recommend appropriate controls and corrective actions.

Support Management of Change (MOC), process safety, incident investigations, and other plant safety programs as applicable.

Partner with Operations and HSE to ensure changes to processes, equipment, or operating conditions are appropriately evaluated before implementation.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

Serve as a technical resource for Operations, Maintenance, Quality, HSE, and other plant personnel.

Lead or participate in technical discussions with customers regarding process performance, product applications, operational concerns, and improvement opportunities.

Communicate technical information and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Provide technical guidance and support to less experienced engineers and plant personnel as needed.

Participate in cross-functional teams and company-wide engineering initiatives.

Reporting & Knowledge Management

Prepare engineering reports, technical evaluations, recommendations, and presentations.

Maintain appropriate documentation of engineering studies, process changes, improvement projects, and technical findings.

Participate in company knowledge-management processes and share lessons learned and best practices across the organization.

Ensure technical information and process documentation remain accurate and current.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university required.

Minimum of five (5) years of relevant engineering experience, preferably within a chemical manufacturing, specialty chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, or similar industrial environment.

Experience supporting manufacturing or plant operations strongly preferred.

Experience with process optimization, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and capital projects preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of chemical and/or mechanical engineering principles and their application within an industrial manufacturing environment.

Strong process troubleshooting and analytical skills.

Ability to interpret operating data, identify trends, and translate findings into practical operational improvements.

Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and Management of Change principles.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Ability to work effectively with Operations, Maintenance, HSE, Quality, commercial teams, customers, and leadership.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to prepare and present technical information to various levels of the organization.

Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently with general supervision.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Working EnvironmentThis position operates primarily within a chemical manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with plant operations. The employee may be required to enter production areas and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).The position may require occasional work outside of normal business hours to support plant operations, startups, shutdowns, troubleshooting activities, or other operational needs.