Sr. Instrumentation and Electrical Engineering Specialist

Kuraray America

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Kuraray is seeking an experienced Senior Engineering Specialist, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E / DCS) to support the Bayport PVOH manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas. This role serves as a senior technical resource responsible for the engineering, programming, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of distributed control systems (DCS), instrumentation, and electrical systems. The position partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and process performance.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Minimum of 10 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing or related industrial environment and
Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on Yokogawa DCS experience
Strong experience with Yokogawa DCS (highly preferred); experience with other DCS platforms considered a plus.
Solid understanding of discrete, continuous, and sequential control strategies.
Knowledge of loop tuning, adaptive control, and feed‑forward control concepts.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex instrumentation, electrical, and control system issues.
Strong understanding of PSM Technology elements, including PHA, MOC (Technology), Process Technology, and RAGAGEP.
Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple complex and time‑sensitive projects.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence without authority.
Ability to coach, mentor, and develop others in a team‑based environment.
Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills; able to work independently and collaboratively.
Well‑developed technical writing skills.
Strong initiative and self‑management capabilities.
Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Process Control & DCS Engineering
Engineer, program, and troubleshoot DCS systems, with Yokogawa DCS experience strongly preferred.
Design, purchase, install, and commission DCS hardware and field devices.
Configure and modify DCS logic, including interlocks, sequences, PID control loops, alarms, and graphics.
Support DCS programming changes based on approved production and engineering requests.
Diagnose and resolve DCS‑related issues by reviewing and modifying control logic and configurations.
Serve as the first point of contact for DCS process and safety interlocks, including management of bypassed interlocks.
Maintain DCS system hardware contracts and support infrastructure upgrades.
Monitor aging control system hardware and software and plan upgrades or replacements.
Instrumentation & Signal Systems
Engineer and troubleshoot instrumentation and signals including:
4-20 mA, discrete I/O, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus, wireless, and on/off signals.
Define communication settings between field devices and DCS.
Select appropriate instrumentation and DCS hardware based on signal and application requirements.
Provide technical assistance during troubleshooting of instrumentation and signal‑related issues.
Electrical Engineering
Design, specify, and support installation of:
Transformers, MCCs, 480 VAC starters, 120 VAC and 24 VDC control circuits, and VFDs.
Develop wiring designs appropriate for instrumentation and electrical equipment.
Perform parameter setting and configuration for electrical equipment including MCCs, VFDs, and switchgear.
Investigate, diagnose, and resolve electrical system issues.
Project Execution & Contractor Oversight
Review and approve I&E drawings and specifications.
Develop scopes of work for I&E projects and evaluate contractor bids.
Manage and oversee contractor execution of I&E work, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Plan and execute loop checks, functional checks, and commissioning activities.
Operations Support & Continuous Improvement
Assist Operations and Maintenance with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem solving.
Provide technical leadership on task teams, troubleshooting efforts, and special assignments.
Lead control technology and productivity improvement initiatives.
Conduct cost‑benefit analysis for projects and improvement opportunities.
Support training and knowledge transfer to plant personnel to strengthen process operations.
Process Safety Management (PSM)
Provide technical leadership and support in PSM areas including:
Process Technology
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)
Management of Change (Technology)
Root Cause Analysis
Participate in PHAs for existing and new processes and projects.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable RAGAGEP and emerging technologies.
Engineering, Programming, and Troubleshooting - SIS Systems
Assist in the configuration, programming, and modification of application logic for Triconex safety PLCs, utilizing tools such as Triconex TriStation.
Troubleshoot SIS‑related issues in collaboration with operations, instrumentation, and control teams, including alarm analysis, bypass management, and proof‑testing support.
Participate in periodic functional testing and proof testing of safety instrumented functions and safety loops to verify system performance and integrity.
Additional Expectations
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of control, instrumentation, and electrical technologies relevant to the manufacturing area.
Be available to provide occasional off‑hours support to plant operations as needed.
Work collaboratively across site and corporate teams to share knowledge and best practices.