Process Engineer

Position Title: Unit Process Engineer (Operations Support Engineer or OSE)

Job Description Summary:

The Vertex Mobile, Alabama Refinery Unit Process Engineer will be responsible for daily unit operational support, analyzing data and sharing monitoring results about unit health and run length, and longer-term scope development that supports site improvement. This role is highly visible to the organization and drives crucial operational tactics across functions. Development in-role also includes opportunities to cross-train in other Refining areas and the newly configured VGO Hydrocracker unit. The refinery has several areas supported by Unit Process Engineers and Operations Specialist teams.

OSE Unit Monitoring:

• Proactive unit monitoring, data assessment and tracking, and projection of unit health including yields and catalyst performance
• Identify operating constraints and drive direction to Operations to optimize daily operations, as well as communicate limits and needs to stakeholders
• Identify and guide margin opportunities
• Design and support unit test runs
• Ownership of area alarm management and design/integrity operating window monitoring
• Partner with unit Operations Specialist to select operating targets and support healthy unit operations
• Identify and work to resolve threats to safe operation and reliability of the asset
• Prioritize opportunities and analyze proposed benefits to gain site support
• Troubleshoot unit upsets and support front line Operations staff to identify causes during abnormal situations
• Field walks for data gathering and safety observations
• Monitor performance and enforce expectations for environmental compliance

OSE Turnaround Support:

• Develop, risk-rank, and support execution of maintenance and turnaround outage scope relevant to support the premised run length for the units
• Shift work as required to support technical inspection needs during unit turnarounds, including catalyst load monitoring
• Perform internal process equipment inspections during maintenance outages
• Develop scope inputs for multi-year budgeting cycles to assure asset reliability
• As needed, manage catalyst budget and timing of orders to ensure adequate delivery and appropriate load plan

OSE Management of Change/ Process Safety Management Support:

• Own small plant changes from design through execution, engage with support disciplines and participate in hazard reviews
• Participate in larger project work processes including basis of design generation, design reviews, and hazard analysis
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis studies to identify and assess Process Safety threats, and develop recommendations to mitigate the threats

OSE Learning/ Technical Development:

• Participate in/lead causal learning activities to identify causes and support development of solutions that can eliminate root causes of the studied issues
• Develop deeper technical knowledge through work tasks as well as technical trainings
• Cross-train to understand and support other unit operating areas
• Develop leadership competences by leading multi-discipline teams to accomplish site goals (abnormal situation management, management of change, causal learning activities)

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications:

• BS Chemical Engineering degree required
• Seeking a candidate with relevant industrial experience. The position can be structured at different levels based on qualifications, with pay adjusted accordingly:

1. Junior Level: 0–10 years of total experience with refining experience preferred.
2. Senior Level: 10 years of total experience, including 3 years in refining preferred.

• Knowledge of project work processes, including Management of Change preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills (written & verbal)

Basic Requirements:

• Work in an industrial environment; occasional outside work climbing ladders and stairs, entering confined spaces, lifting up to 50 lbs. sometimes in inclement weather
• Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently on a full-time basis without requiring sponsorship.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the United States.
• Must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently.
• Hold or be able to qualify to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card - Information may be found at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.
• Adhere to site alcohol and drug standards including random drug screenings
• As part of the pre-employment selection process, candidates are required to submit to and receive satisfactory results from all pre-employment background checks including but not limited to drug screening (including a hair sample), medical evaluation, and reference checks.
• Note: None of the list above are intended to be all inclusive, other duties may be assigned.

Additional information:

The Unit Process Engineer regularly communicates with diverse audiences from front line Operations staff through the site leadership team level. Interpersonal skills, team focus and ability to manage multiple tasks with varying needs and priorities are critical to success in this position. Individual must be willing to dedicate the time required during intense activities (e.g., unit upsets, T/A, etc.). Occasional off schedule work for short periods of time can be expected in these circumstances.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Schedule: 9/80 work schedule

Hiring Manager: Rachel Bussard

Closing date: 14 days after posting

Expected Start date: May 2025

About Vertex Energy: Vertex Energy is a leading energy transition company that specializes in producing high-purity refined fuels and products. Our innovative solutions are designed to enhance the performance of our customers and partners while also prioritizing sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. With a commitment to providing superior products and services, Vertex Energy is dedicated to shaping the future of the energy industry.

About the Site: The Vertex Refining Alabama Site is a 24/7 manufacturing plant in Saraland, Alabama that specializes in the production and distribution of refined products. It employs approximately 200 full-time staff, including both hourly and salaried employees. The site is known for its strong operational performance and community presence. The United Steelworkers Union (USW) represents the hourly workforce.

Posting Disclaimer: We reserve the right to amend, provide exceptions to or withdraw this posting at any time.