Process Engineer

About the position

The Process Engineer is responsible for providing technical guidance on operating units within the Paper Department that maintains and improves the safety, environmental standards, and operating cost of the Department. This role plans, directs, and coordinates activities concerned with design, modification, optimization and operation of process equipment by performing the following duties personally or by coordinating the activities with operations, and maintenance and contract personnel. This role evaluates process unit operating performance, implements recommendations for optimization, and supports capital improvements in support of long-term sustainable performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide process engineering technical support to production units, environmental activities and plant projects to improve unit operations, process safety and environmental performance
• Support process safety, safety, and environmental compliance by participating in process hazard analysis, incident investigations, procedure development, management of change, alarm management, pressure protection management, and providing technical assistance for work scope development, assessment of process impacts on equipment, and environmental reviews.
• Maintain environmental compliance by supporting environmental calculations, establish operating parameters, providing input into permit development, and providing accurate data as required
• Provide process engineering technical assistance to process operations for solving operating problems, optimizing, and improving production planning
• Design improvements for process units to increase production capacity, efficiency, process safety and environmental performance including complex designs
• Provide process support to Plant Engineering activities, usually involving preparation of major appropriation requests or execution of detailed engineering of projects
• Work with support teams to monitor unit operations, correct problems and assist in improvements, usually for special problems or projects
• Support to maintain and ensure continuous operation, including assistance during operational upsets or turnarounds
• Support turnaround and unit shutdown planning and execution through participation in scope development, providing justification for work items, and providing technical support during shutdown/startup and outage timeframe
• Coordinate and assist in implementation of plant system changes, including equipment additions, modifications and/or deletions and process design
• Assist in writing and reviewing unit operating procedures in assigned areas
• Maintain knowledge of latest technologies and best practices for pulp or paper industry
• Provide process design data for potential pulp mill improvements, expansions, and compliance projects
• Develop efficiency strategies which optimize process unit profitability by maximizing throughput and yields while minimizing operating costs
• Provide operational and technical support for any plant system change. Includes operational review, assistance with cost/benefit analysis, and participating in hazard reviews
• Complete process engineering study and design for new projects and coordinate with Engineering Department to develop estimates, define scope, and complete projects
• Communicate and document process engineering activities in unit support, design, plant engineering, environmental and process safety support activities with little or no review required
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (preferred), but will consider Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines
• Working knowledge in paper, pulp, refining, chemical or petrochemical plant processes or production operations
• Strong technical, quantitative analysis and process orientation skills
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis concepts
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Demonstrated capability in use of material and energy balances
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult problems
• Thorough understanding of fundamental theories of heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, separations, and control systems
• Solid verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to interact effectively and positively with all levels of Company personnel
• Ability to Work as self-directed individual and in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple projects and tasks in an effective manner
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and sound engineering principles
• Knowledge of process design, instrumentation, process control and statistics
• Proficient computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must pass a pre-employment background and drug screen

Nice-to-haves

• Three (3) years of experience in paper, pulp, refining, chemical or petrochemical plant processes
• Considerable knowledge of safe work practices, OSHA and Environmental rules and regulations
• Process Design experience with simulations and equipment specific design
• Project management skills
• Knowledge/experience with 5-S, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing principles

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits programs
• Commitment to workplace diversity
• Opportunities for community involvement