Subject Matter Expert (SME), Hot Side-Ethylene Production

Lotte Chemical USA Corporation•Westlake, LA

15d

About The Position

This position is considered a Subject Matter Expert (“SME”) for the “hot side” of the ethylene production process. It provides critical field-based support for the front-end and high temperature systems of the cracking process. It works with console and field operators, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years’ operations experience in petrochemical or similar industrial environment
Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems; experience with industrial heater exchangers, tubing, pumps, and rotating and stationary equipment generally used in plant operations
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues quickly and effectively
Proven skills in manufacturing
Extensive knowledge of operations processes and requirements
Familiarity with concepts, practices and procedures used in plant environment
Knowledge and understanding of EHS regulations and standards; experience with and knowledge of EHS requirements at assigned site
Excellent analysis skills required
Experience with emergency situations; demonstrated ability to adjust to special situations
Ability to multi-task and follow through on assignments
Good computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite; ability to use database systems and other programs and applications used by this position and at Company
Fluent in English language including reading, writing and speaking; ability to read and write at a minimum of high school level; ability to clearly communicate to all levels in organization
High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

Technical school degree helpful

Responsibilities

Functions as Subject Matter Expert for Plant Hot Side operations
Focuses on monitoring, troubleshooting and advising on equipment performance and overall system health
Conducts routine field assessments of pyrolysis furnace equipment, including, but not limited to, assessments on burners, radiant coils, crossover piping, and ductwork; monitors field conditions; reports deviations to operating team
Provides hands-on technical support to ensure safe, reliable and efficient unit operations
Assists operations during startups, shutdowns, and decoking activities, including steam-air and mechanical pigging methods
Coordinates inspections, maintenance, and refractory assessments during turnarounds and outages as appropriate; supports engineering/maintenance/turnaround with MOC activities
Supports inspection and condition monitoring of ethane feed systems, including, but not limited to, preheat exchangers and knockout drums
Verifies DMDS injection system performance and safe handling practices during operations and changeovers
Identifies and reports potential feed-related issues such as fouling, pressure drops, or flow inconsistencies
Participates in pre-job walk downs, P&ID verifications, and planning meetings for high-risk or critical work; assists with field verification and troubleshooting of dilution steam systems
Supports troubleshooting for cracker bottoms, including tar and heavy-end accumulation, drain routing, and line health.
Serves as field-level liaison between console operators, maintenance crews, inspection teams, and engineers
Ensures compliance with site safety procedures during field work, including LOTO, hot work, and confined space protocols; participates in Hazop/LOPA studies
Maintains accurate logs and field notes of system conditions, operational observations, and support activities
Provides improvement opportunity feedback for procedures, equipment reliability, and safety practices; contributes to lessons learned following outages, incidents, or unit upsets
Performs routine field checks on quench oil and quench water systems; verifies valve positions, pump status, and thermal performance
Supports saturator system; confirms level control, steam generation rates, and exchanger integrity during normal and upset conditions
Supports safe and efficient operation of caustic tower system including inspection of feed nozzles, circulation pumps, and level controls
Monitors conditions during tower washouts, chemical changeovers, and abnormal operations; ensures gas treating performance
Abides by all safety procedures and practices applicable to location and position; participates in appropriate safety training; demonstrates commitment to and support of EHSS principles and values; champions safety at all times; participates in and/or leads safety teams or projects as appropriate
Performs other duties assigned by management that generally fall within the expected scope of this position