Lead Process Engineer

Kelly Engineering is seeking a Lead Process Engineer to join one of our leading clients in the Petrochemical Manufacturing industry at their Westlake, LA location.

Please apply to learn more!

Ideal candidate :

• 10 - 15 years’ experience as a Process Engineer in large, petrochemical plant operation
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Ethylene (Cracker) plant operations experience required for CAPEX responsibilities (preferred)
• Ability to research best chemical plant practices; knowledge of plant safety, health, and environmental requirements for engineering and construction

Job Skills Summary :

Core Process Engineering Knowledge

• Strong understanding of pumps, control systems, and instrumentation.
• Must know how process control systems function and how to optimize them.
• Experience in chemical process operations, refining, or similar industrial environments.

Process Safety Expertise

• Hands-on experience conducting PHA (Process Hazard Analysis) and other safety reviews.
• Familiarity with low power training requirements and ability to provide insightful safety analysis.
• Strong understanding of process safety management principles.

Project-Based Engineering Role

• Will be jumping from project to project, handling design reviews, troubleshooting, and process optimizations.
• Expected to stay engaged for at least six months, with potential for extension based on project needs.
• Requires adaptability to different project scopes and operational challenges.

Interdisciplinary Communication & Technical Coordination

• Must effectively communicate process engineering concepts to:
• Electrical engineers (e.g., motor controls, power systems).
• Mechanical engineers (e.g., rotating equipment, piping systems).
• Operators (must “speak their language” to ensure smooth plant operations).
• Ability to articulate technical ideas clearly to both engineering and non-engineering teams.

Mentorship & Leadership

• Expected to assist and mentor younger or early-career engineers.
• Should be able to serve as a technical lead, but not responsible for personnel management.
• No requirement to handle scheduling, resource management, or administrative tasks.

Dependability & Commitment

• Must be reliable, engaged, and committed to the role.
• Looking for someone with a strong track record of follow-through and dependability.
• Needs to be a team player who integrates well into a collaborative environment.

Experience Requirement

• 10 - 15 years’ experience as a Process Engineer in large, petrochemical plant operation
• Ethylene (Cracker) plant operations experience required for CAPEX responsibilities
• Ability to research best chemical plant practices; knowledge of plant safety, health, and environmental requirements for engineering and construction
• Ability to read engineering, construction and other technical specs, drawings, schematics, plans, and similar documents;
• Knowledge of and ability to understand complex government regulations and translate/incorporate requirements to chemical manufacturing plant
• Ability to translate technical plans into easy-to-understand laymen’s terms and communicate such translations in clear terminology

Education Requirement

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Professional Engineer certification a plus
• Six Sigma certification a plus