Advanced Process Control Lead Engineer

Position: APC Lead Engineer

Location: Toledo, OH

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

Compensation: 175K, with a 25% bonus.

Company Summary:

A premier leader in the oil and gas industry, this organization is known for its commitment to sustainability and safety. Operating with a strong focus on refining processes, it provides essential products that support modern living while upholding environmental stewardship and community welfare. The company prioritizes innovative solutions, reliability, and operational excellence across its North American facilities.

Position Summary:

The Lead Advanced Process Control (APC) Engineer will take charge of the development, implementation, and maintenance of advanced process control systems to enhance plant reliability and efficiency. This role involves strategic planning, overseeing system optimizations, and collaborating closely with Operations, Technical, and Maintenance teams. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, foster a culture of safety, and ensure that all process control activities align with best practices and company objectives. The Lead APC Engineer will report directly to the Technical Department Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE):

• Ensure full compliance with HSE policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Act as a safety leader within the facility by setting an example through safe work practices and proactive hazard management.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety performance for all APC personnel and ensure that potential HSE impacts are considered in all APC projects.
• Actively participate in safety meetings and contribute to monthly safety audits within assigned production areas.
  
  

Daily Support (Tactical Responsibilities):

• Oversee and maintain the reliability of process control systems, including the alarm management system and model-based advanced control solutions.
• Monitor, evaluate, and optimize control applications to maximize operational efficiency.
• Provide expert troubleshooting support to Operations and Technical teams.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Process Control System department.
• Offer technical assistance for Turnaround, Environmental, and Process Safety departments.
• Assist in the selection and deployment of key manufacturing information systems.
  
  

Long-term Support & Leadership (Strategic Responsibilities):

• Lead the development of process control projects that support the refinery's strategic capital plan.
• Justify and advocate for project proposals involving control system upgrades and modernizations.
• Communicate strategic plans and provide optimization direction to the organization.
• Ensure that project designs adhere to process control and cybersecurity best practices.
• Represent the company in corporate best practice groups related to process control applications and technology.
  
  

Supervisory & Leadership:

• Create staffing plans to align with engineering and technical resource needs.
• Address personnel issues and administer timely performance reviews.
• Set clear expectations for direct reports and maintain open communication with the Technical Department Manager.
• Guide APC Engineers and Control System Specialists/Analysts to develop their technical expertise and knowledge base.
• Facilitate targeted training programs for team members, operators, and E&I technicians as needed.
• Supervise a team of control system professionals and ensure efficient workflow management.
  
  

Communication & Reporting:

• Maintain effective communication across various refinery departments, including Maintenance, Operations, Reliability, and Safety.
• Provide regular updates on APC progress and coordinate with project stakeholders.
• Participate in high-level discussions and present technical updates to Upper Management.
• Engage with corporate Best Practice Teams and technical review committees as assigned.
  
  

ABT, Turnaround, and Capital Projects:

• Act as a process control engineering representative for assigned Area Business Teams (ABTs).
• Provide essential process control support during turnaround scope development, planning, and execution.
• Contribute to process control capital projects by offering insights at proposal, design, and construction stages.
  
  

Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of process control activities and contribute to the development of advanced control reports.
• Organize and safeguard APC documentation, both in physical and electronic formats.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in the refining or petrochemical industry, with extensive experience in process control engineering.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency with Client systems and strong background in process engineering.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with industry regulations, safety practices, and compliance strategies. Understanding of refining economics, reliability principles, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor technical staff.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively across multiple organizational levels.
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with developing training programs for technical teams.
• Participation in corporate technical committees and best practice teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  
  

Benefits and Growth:

This role offers the opportunity to lead critical APC projects and influence the strategic direction of process control applications. The company provides comprehensive benefits and promotes a culture of growth and continuous learning.