Sr. Systems Administrator - Materials Engineering Design

Motiva Enterprises LLC • Houston, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Systems Administrator, Materials Engineering Design reports to the Manager, Engineering Design Technology and serves as Motiva’s corporate subject matter expert for Smart Reference Data (SRD), the SmartPlant 3D (S3D) design environment, and the Smart Materials (SPMAT) application. The role governs, maintains, and continuously improves engineering specifications and design standards that support safe, reliable, and efficient facility operations.

As the enterprise leader for SRD, S3D, and SPMAT, this position sets strategic direction and administers the systems day to day. It ensures the integrity and accuracy of corporate engineering specification data across SRD, S3D, CADWorx, and related applications, supporting piping, electrical, cable tray, civil/structural, and other engineering disciplines. The role maintains Motiva’s corporate S3D seed file used by EPC contractors, validates and tests line classes before release, and oversees line-class development performed by High Value Engineering Center (HVEC) resources through Motiva-managed work orders.

The position develops engineering and software standards, user guides, and system requirements for project execution, construction, operations, and maintenance. It also leads or supports software upgrades, system enhancements, end-user training, troubleshooting, and technical support to promote effective use and long-term sustainability of Motiva’s engineering design technology systems.

This is an in-office position at Motiva’s corporate headquarters in Downtown Houston, Texas. Employees work onsite Monday through Thursday on a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 15+ years of experience in the chemical, petrochemical, refining, or oil and gas industries.
• Hexagon Smart Reference Data (SRD) Administration and Advanced User certification or equivalent training.
• Demonstrated experience administering, configuring, and customizing Smart Reference Data.
• Demonstrated experience administering SmartPlant 3D, including seed file, catalog, and reference data management.
• Strong understanding of engineering project workflows from concept development through commissioning and start-up.
• Experience managing engineering specifications across multi-office or global workshare environments.
• Knowledge of piping design, fabrication, supply chain processes, and materials management.
• Extensive knowledge of piping materials, specifications, codes, standards, and pipe support design principles.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and develop specification requirements.
• Proficiency with Oracle Database, SQL Developer, Oracle Report Builder, and VB.NET development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence, guide, and provide direction to internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Training and/or certification in Hexagon SmartPlant 3D (S3D) and CADWorx.
• Experience implementing, administering, or supporting Smart Materials (SPMAT).
• Experience managing engineering service providers or third-party contractors, including scope development, work assignment, and deliverable review.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving complex issues across engineering data and design systems.
• Understanding of engineering, procurement, and construction cost drivers.
• Knowledge of project deliverables, project controls, and schedule management practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and govern corporate engineering specifications within SRD, including piping, electrical conduit, cable trays, cables, pipe supports, and civil/structural components.
• Review specification data for compliance with Motiva Engineering Standards, industry codes, constructability requirements, and cost considerations.
• Generate management reports and analytics for engineering, procurement, and project decision-making.
• Administer and maintain vendor material data used for engineering specifications and materials selection.
• Configure, customize, and optimize the SRD application environment.
• Develop project-specific specification export reports using Oracle Report Builder.
• Develop and maintain SRD class libraries and custom applications using VB.NET.
• Evaluate and recommend material substitutions based on inventory availability, market conditions, and project requirements.
• Serve as Motiva’s primary S3D Administrator and technical authority.
• Maintain and govern the corporate S3D seed file used by EPC contractors, aligning it with current specifications, catalog content, and engineering standards.
• Validate, test, and approve line classes before release for project execution.
• Maintain and enhance the S3D catalog and reference data supporting engineering design.
• Develop and manage S3D test environments, custom reports, and supporting applications.
• Design and maintain VB.NET utilities and services for catalog and database management.
• Oversee integration and synchronization of specification data between SRD, S3D, and related engineering applications.
• Develop, prioritize, assign, and track work orders executed by HVEC resources.
• Review and approve contractor deliverables for technical accuracy and compliance with Motiva standards before release.
• Manage HVEC workload, priorities, and schedules to support project execution.
• Serve as Motiva’s SPMAT Administrator.
• Configure and support project implementations, including requisitioning, procurement workflows, and integration with engineering and business systems.
• Support materials management processes to improve project execution and data accuracy.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance and quality control processes for engineering specifications, line classes, catalogs, and system databases.
• Administer database governance and change management processes for SRD, S3D, and SPMAT environments.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, user guides, standards, procedures, and software requirements specifications.
• Provide project teams with technical expertise in engineering specifications, design systems, and materials management.
• Collaborate with EPC contractors, engineering teams, and stakeholders to support consistent application of corporate standards.
• Participate in audits, assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on data quality and system performance.
• Develop automation solutions to improve data entry, validation, reporting, and workflow efficiency.
• Manage software licensing, infrastructure requirements, and system performance as applicable.
• Monitor industry developments and maintain expertise in piping materials, engineering standards, and design technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior