Process Engineer

Westlake•Plaquemine, LA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our production units while driving Continuous Improvement and Process Excellence across the site. This role blends day‑to‑day process engineering support with structured problem solving, data analysis, and implementation of improvement initiatives that reduce variation, improve quality, increase throughput, and lower cost. This position in this role partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, and Capital Projects to troubleshoot issues, stabilize processes, and identify opportunities for improvement. Depending on experience level, the Process Engineer – Continuous Improvement will either lead or actively contribute to activities such as process monitoring, root cause analysis, process hazard reviews, and development of front‑end development of capital and expense projects scopes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering required
Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written
Proficient computer skills, with good working knowledge of all standard company applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
Self-directed, motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic plant environment.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor and develop others.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of local management and with other departments to explain problems, data, and proposed solutions.
Ability to influence and persuade others toward a particular course of action, using data, logic, and collaborative problem solving.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and a focus on results.

Nice To Haves

PE Certification is preferred
Experience in a chemical / petrochemical / manufacturing environment preferred.
Demonstrated interest and/or experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or related disciplines preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate the activities of and provide direction and guidance to the engineers in assigned area.
Provide mentorship and assist with development of engineers in assigned areas.
Coach employees across functions to apply CI and process engineering tools to optimize group performance
Generate front-end scope packages for capital projects, including generating heat and mass balances, marked-up P&ID’s, PFD’s, project justification, piping and equipment sizing, instrumentation requirements, materials of construction.
Size and recommend relief devices/valves as needed in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
Attend process hazard reviews as required.
Create and implement solutions to action items identified in PHA’s, audit findings, and root cause analysis.
Promote and support Westlake’s Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) activities as part of the department team.
Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability, and other analytical tools to monitor performance, reduce variation, and sustain improvements.
Prepare monthly and other reports required to keep management informed on progress of projects, improvements made and other items as necessary
Use Statistical Process Control in the continuous improvement effort.
Maintain information (files and documentation) for plant processes, equipment and technology.
Assist in the preparation of capital requests necessary to improve plant operations.
Maintain strong working knowledge of the plant operations and technology in order to identify improvement opportunities.
Develops recommendations and make sound decisions that have significant impact on extensive engineering activities
Represents the company in technical areas with internal and external stakeholders.
Maintains detailed knowledge of site processes and technologies.
Demonstrates strong safety culture through personal behavior and commitment to environmental, health & safety.
Participates in the PACE culture of safety.
Other duties as assigned