Senior Process Engineer - FCC

Senior Process Engineer (FCC)

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled Refinery Process Engineer with expertise in Crude Oil Refining technologies, particularly in Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence and technical innovation. This role involves building networks, developing value creation strategies, and providing in-depth technical support to enhance unit performance and safety.

Ideal Candidate has experience with:

• Minimum 10 years operating FCCs (FCC process engineer, senior process engineer)
• Strong Chemical Engineering skills (hydraulics, heat/mass transfer, reactions, etc.)
• FCC catalysts (working with catalyst vendors, catalyst procurement, etc.)
• PHA/LOPA/HAZOP, strong PSM background (ideally with FCCs)
• Thorough understanding of FCC KPIs, unit monitoring, optimization, revamps, etc.
• Economic thinking (project idea generation, economic analysis, etc.)
• Process modeling (Aspen HYSYS)
• Leadership (mentoring younger engineers)

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Networking and Innovation:
• Establish and expand a robust technical network both inside the company and within the broader industry. This involves engaging with industry peers and stakeholders to identify new technologies and best practices that can be leveraged for operational improvements.
• Develop and evaluate value creation ideas and conduct economic analysis for assigned units and technologies to optimize performance and profitability.
• Performance Monitoring and Tool Development:
• Continuously monitor unit performance over the long term, using industry benchmarks to identify potential areas for improvement.
• Support the development of a monitoring toolkit specifically for FCC technologies, enhancing the ability to track and optimize unit operations.
• Auditing and Benchmarking:
• Conduct audits of unit performance reports and long-term operational calculations to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
• Review and contribute to benchmark studies, such as Solomon and PTAI studies, to maintain competitive performance standards.
• Project and Technical Support:
• Ensure that the technical aspects of projects meet business objectives, providing oversight and strategic guidance.
• Mentor and support Production Engineers during unit troubleshooting, process hazard analyses (PHAs), critical procedures, and in monthly Business
• Review meetings, fostering professional development and technical expertise within the team.
• High-Profile Troubleshooting:
• Provide leadership and support for high-profile troubleshooting efforts, leveraging expertise to resolve complex issues and improve reliability and performance.
• Experimental Design and Process Guidelines:
• Collaborate with Operations to design experiments and establish process guidelines that optimize performance and drive innovation in unit operations.
• Modeling and Economic Decision-Making:
• Own and develop Process Engineer modeling programs using advanced tools such as Aspen HYSYS. Build technology loop models to facilitate economic decision-making and enhance process efficiencies.
• Turnaround and Safety Support:
• Provide technical support for turnaround programs, ensuring technical scoping aligns with operational goals and safety standards.
• Contribute to process safety and environmental performance through active participation in PHAs, management of changes (MOC), and investigation teams, either as a member or leader.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• At least 10 years of experience in refining or chemical plant process engineering, with specific experience in Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Over 15 years of experience in a refinery setting, demonstrating a strong track record in process engineering.
• Proven experience as a Process Engineer or Project Engineer leading projects in an oil refinery.
• Expertise in process modeling simulation using tools like Aspen HYSYS