Project Engineer

Westlake•Lake Charles, LA

About The Position

The Project Engineer provides engineering design, controls procurement, and coordinates construction of assigned expense and capital projects to meet cost, schedule, and scope requirements. The role provides problem-solving consultation, supports the development of engineering personnel, and develops engineering procedures to ensure effective engineering support for plant facilities. It also applies new technology, processes, equipment, and materials to existing production units to improve production rates, quality, costs, maintenance efficiency, and equipment reliability. The position prepares project plans and estimates, supports capital budgeting and planning, develops mechanical designs and instrumentation systems, and coordinates procurement, engineering reviews, and construction activities. The engineer works with plant teams, contractors, vendors, consultants, and purchasing, and prepares project status and progress information. The role includes after-hours availability by phone or possible call-out for plant problems or emergencies, along with responsibility for personal and site safety and prompt reporting of safety, health, or environmental issues. Successful candidates must pass background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing, and pre-employment physical requirements before starting work. A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent progressive engineering experience, is required, as is five years of engineering design experience in a refinery, chemical, or petrochemical plant.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent progressive engineering experience.
Five years of engineering design experience in a refinery, chemical, or petrochemical plant.
Current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
Satisfy background screening, including motor vehicle record screening, drug testing, and pre-employment physical requirements before starting work.

Responsibilities

Develop project plans and budget estimates and obtain approval.
Prepare Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) documents for capital projects and assist with the capital expenditure budget and five-year plan.
Prepare detailed mechanical designs in accordance with engineering and safety practices, regulations, plant specifications, applicable codes, and underwriter requirements.
Design instrumentation systems and associated equipment; inquire about and select equipment.
Coordinate consulting firms when needed.
Initiate material procurement and coordinate with purchasing, vendors, and stores to manage expediting and receipt of materials.
Direct designers, review drawings, and submit them for approval.
Prepare work descriptions and specifications and issue requests for proposal to purchasing for bids.
Review engineering bid comparisons, provide comments, and submit them for approval.
Coordinate field installation, inspect and accept work, review contractor construction packages, and assess contractor performance.
Prepare project status information and assist with construction progress and cost reports on weekly, monthly, and annual bases.
Collect and distribute engineering data and project instructions, and obtain design feedback from maintenance and production personnel.
Support engineering personnel development by recommending technical training and providing guidance to beginning engineers.
Consult with engineering personnel and vendors and review professional publications to stay informed about materials, equipment, and design methods.
Promote positive plant and community relations, safety efforts, and ethical practices.
Perform special projects and coordination activities, including obtaining regulatory information, sharing industry information, providing testing information to underwriters, and arranging consulting services.
Provide engineering services and technical knowledge for applying new or different processes, equipment, and materials to production units to improve rates, quality, costs, or equipment reliability.
Remain available after hours by phone or for possible call-out to address plant problems or emergencies.
Perform duties in a manner that protects personal and site safety, promptly report safety, health, or environmental incidents or issues, and attend monthly safety meetings.