Sr. Process Control Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Process Control Engineer reports to the Process Control Group Supervisor, and is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing process control systems to improve process safety, reliability, throughput and production efficiency. The role will provide technical support in basic regulatory control design and performance, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) lifecycle activities, Advanced Process Control (APC), and troubleshooting of control and safety systems.

Location/Travel Information:

This position is currently based in Freeport, TX. It will also require frequent travel to company facilities in Freeport and other off-site locations as needed. This position requires the incumbent to hold a valid, unexpired driver license at all times in order to perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Display knowledge of process control principles (basic and advanced regulatory loop control and tuning, sequence logic, discrete control) and use them to assess/support area/plant automation performance.
• Collaborate with operations and process engineering teams to drive process improvements, reduce variability through loop tuning, and support other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement control strategies to improve plant stability, controllability, and efficiency.
• Assist with deployment of Advanced Process Control (APC) applications to maximize plant throughput and optimize product recovery and energy usage.
• Develop the financial basis for process control improvements.
• Support alarm management activities.
• Complete controls-related action items identified by hazard analysis, RCFA or other gap identification processes.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and other controls-related systems.

Essential Functions

• Conduct SIS lifecycle activities including validation, configuration, modifications, and compliance with functional safety standards.
• Participate in HAZOP, HAZID, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) reviews.
• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and support plant trip investigations.
• Provide support for Basic Process Control System (BPCS), APC, SIS, Low-Integrity Protection Systems (LI-PL), Burner Management Systems (BMS), Fire & Gas, Emergency Shutdown (ESD), and related systems.
• Provide technical support for capital projects involving instrumentation and controls.
• Support preparation for and execution of plant turnarounds.
• Work Authorization & Security Clearance
• Must hold or be able to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Minimum Qualification/Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering.

10 years of experience in instrumentation or process controls in LNG, petrochemical, or related heavy process industries.

Proficiency with DCS configuration and programming.

Hands-on expertise with process control and instrumented protective systems.

Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC) application and deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited).
• Intermediate knowledge of ANSI/ISA 61511 and the SIS lifecycle.
• Experience with Honeywell DCS and Safety Systems.
• Familiarity with government agencies such as ERCOT, FERC, DOT/PHMSA, TCEQ, and OSHA and be familiar with regulations at an intermediate level.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards for control systems.
• Familiarity with Alarm Management principles.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and work with all levels of the organization, including operations, technical, plant management, contractors and vendors.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize in order to meet deadlines.
• Possesses basic knowledge of cross-functional project execution.
• Proficiency with MS Office and SAP PM (or equivalent).

HSE Roles and Responsibilities

Support the policies, efforts, and programs of Freeport LNG Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Management System. Actively participate in the HSE Management System Policies. Ensure that HSE concerns are given priority in all activities completed within their area of responsibility. Implement routine inspections to ensure safe operating conditions.

Working Conditions and Physical Expectations

Work Environment

• Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.

• Operates in an industrial plant environment.

• Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions.

• Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid or windy weather conditions.

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits.

• Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction.

• Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios.

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.

• Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required.

• Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility.

• Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift.

• The incumbent is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle and move items weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance.

• Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent will be required to talk and hear.

• May be required to enter confined spaces.

• May be required to work at elevated heights.