Process Engineer

Responsible for assessing processes, taking measurements, interpreting data, running, testing, and upgrading systems and processes. Ensures that established efficiency and safety targets are met. Monitors and troubleshoots Operations activities for optimum performance. Keeps others informed of problems or potential problems as indicated.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Learns, understands, and complies with plant environmental, health, and safety rules and regulations always. Holds self and others accountable for safe operations, wears required PPE, actively participates in regular safety training and testing.

Learns and understands sequence of plant operations, process flows, purpose and implications of control systems, source / destination of piping, and how the flow of each operation impacts other areas in the plant.

Performs plant inspections – which includes walking through entire plant while looking and listening for equipment and process problems.

Facilitates troubleshooting and communications between Plant Manager and other areas of the plant – operations, lab, E&I, logistics, etc. – to maximize production and minimize downtime

Notifies Plant Manager of problem situations.

Develops, implements, and continuously improves production efficiency projects. Works with team to engineer and implement plant construction projects, equipment change-outs and upgrades while adhering to budget guidelines.

Understands and edits Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs). CAD experience a plus

Assists operations team with process shutdowns and startups and performs Clean in Place (CIP) operations of process equipment as needed to maximize plant on-stream time and efficiency.

Runs, tests and upgrades systems and processes. Performs risk assessments.

Develops best practices, routines, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output.

Provides process documentation and operating instructions.

Ensures that the plant and projects meet all the necessary requirements of the facilities Process Safety Management (PSM) program to include Management of Change (MOC) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Maintenance Best Practices to include SOP’s as well as Preventative Maintenance etc.

Performs engineering analysis to make process changes and provide solutions at the plant.

Provides ongoing routine updates, timelines, and budgets to Plant Manager. Manages cost and time constraints. Maintains Action Item List for such things as PHA’s, MOC, etc.

Provides technical guidance, leads engineering efforts and process management efforts for Fox River Valley Ethanol.

Implements operational standards by measuring and analyzing reliability and overall efficiency.

Available for off-hours consultation and call-ins for operations troubleshooting and operator assistance as well as part of the On call Rotation.

Helps set plant goals and coordinates operational activities to meet those goals.

Performs special projects and other duties as assigned by Plant Manager.

Work Relationships :

Reports directly to Plant Manager at Fox River Valley Ethanol. Works closely with most other departments on a regular basis (operations, laboratory, E&I, logistics, EH&S, etc).

Required Skills & Abilities :

• Work performed is expected to meet or exceed guidelines and standards for safety, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness.
• Due to 24 / 7 / 365 operations, must be reliable and timely in reporting to work.
• Think and work safely.
• Accurately troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
• Gain the trust and respect of co-workers and management.
• Communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with others.
• Conduct self with honesty and integrity.
• A sense of urgency to take initiative and notice what needs to be done, and the good judgment to act appropriately.
• Ability to read and clearly speak English, follow written and verbal instructions, write legibly for procedures and to log documentation, perform basic and intermediate math operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide, fractions, algebra, geometry), read measurement devices and gauges, and distinguish color.
• Must be able to work both independently and as a team member, multi-task effectively, and maintain a clean and organized workplace.

Education & Experience :

Physical Requirements :

Lift up to 50 lb. pieces of equipment, tools, parts, etc., normally chest height, and move a few feet away.

Climb open-grate metal stairs to elevations up to 180 feet off the ground.

Climb fixed and movable ladders up to 40 feet high.

Perform and assist with all duties safely and proficiently.

Work safely in confined spaces as needed (varies from daily to weekly) and overhead work (reaching overhead and / or working on elevated equipment, etc.)

Repetitive lifting / bending / kneeling / walking / climbing a significant part of each day, depending on plant operations and preventive maintenance done that day.

Wear and appropriately use all required personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, respirators, fall protection, hard hats, gloves, chemical suits, etc.)

Wearing contact lenses, jewelry and loose clothing / hair are not allowed in the plant for safety reasons.

Working Conditions :

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions – heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, etc. Frequent exposure to noise, heights, moving equipment and mechanical parts, electricity, extremely hot and cold equipment, and products that may be under extreme pressure, toxic and / or caustic chemicals, flammable materials, and dust / dirt / grease.

This job describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.