Automation & Process Control Engineer

Interoceanic•Pasadena, TX

11d

About The Position

The position of Automation and Process Control Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and is responsible for the Automation and Process Control (A&PC) function. The A&PC engineer designs, implements, supports, and optimizes automated systems (like PLCs, HMIs, Emerson DeltaV) and instrumentation to improve process safety, manufacturing efficiency, and output, involving programming, troubleshooting complex process issues, leading continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with standards, often collaborating with the senior process engineer, instrumentation and controls specialist, electrical and instrumentation (E&I) technicians, and operations leaders. In addition to providing technical leadership in A&PC, this position will support the Process Safety Management (PSM) Program, specifically in areas such as Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and other Process Safety Elements. The A&PC Engineer will also assist with Management of Change (MOC) initiatives and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) projects by developing Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and control logic for new commercial facilities. Furthermore, the A&PC Engineer will support the DCS Guardian, helping manage all Emerson DeltaV equipment, hardware, and software in each operational area. The role requires the ability to troubleshoot process upsets and implement process improvements to improve process safety and production rates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of experience in process control or automation engineering, preferably in fertilizer, chemical, petrochemical, or related continuous manufacturing industries.
Experience with DCS/PLC platforms commonly used in chemical and fertilizer operations.
Strong knowledge of process instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, pH, analyzers).
Experience with P&IDs, loop sheets, cause-and-effect matrices, and control narratives.
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, OPC, etc.).
Understanding of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Project management and vendor coordination skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to move through industrial facilities, climb stairs/ladders, and work in both office and plant environments.
Ability to wear PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and hearing protection as required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ammonia, urea, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, or other fertilizer production processes (preferred).

Responsibilities

System Design & Implementation: Develop and configure control systems (Emerson DeltaV, PLCs, SCADA, HMI), and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
Troubleshooting & Support: Provide expert technical support for complex operational issues, perform root cause analysis, and resolve process deviations.
Optimization & Improvement: Analyze process data to identify opportunities for optimization, reduce manual interventions, and enhance performance metrics.
Project Management: Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
Documentation & Compliance: Create and maintain technical documents (P&IDs, equipment layout schematics, operating procedures) and ensure adherence to industry standards (OSHA, PSM).
Support experimental operating instructions (EOI's) and Test Authorizations (TA’s) on the process to improve the safety, quality, environment, and/or cost of the production unit.
Expert troubleshooting skills: the ability to analyze process control operations and data; apply process knowledge and identify root causes to various operational issues.
Recognize when the process is not in control and understand steps needed to address recovery steps.
Oversee the Cause & Effect and Standard Operating Condition (SOC’s) tables in the operating procedures.
Manage equipment files and process drawing updates.