Process Engineering Lead
Location: Alvin, TX
Contract: Year+
Schedule: 9/80s
PTO: Available
Role Summary
The Process Engineering Lead plays a critical role in developing and executing process designs that align with business and project objectives. This position collaborates with technical, operations, and maintenance teams throughout the Front-End Loading (FEL) phases, ensuring process designs meet safety, efficiency, and economic goals. The role also supports engineering and construction phases through startup.
Key Responsibilities:
FEL 1 – Opportunity Evaluation
- Contribute to monthly engineering reports.
- Develop scope of facilities documents and risk assessments.
- Define process engineering quality management plans and design philosophies.
- Collaborate with the Engineering Manager on specifications and deliverables.
- Identify applicable environmental permits.
- Support engineering contractor evaluations.
- Assist in developing project cost estimates and schedules.
FEL 2 – Selection Phase
- Review and validate Basic Engineering Design Data (BEDD).
- Support the development of the Project Design Basis.
- Ensure process deliverables align with project scope.
- Participate in hazard reviews and optioneering workshops.
- Evaluate engineering contractor proposals and estimates.
- Capture lessons learned for future project phases.
FEL 3+ – Front-End Engineering Development
- Lead process engineering quality assurance for FEL 3+ deliverables.
- Validate scope changes and alternative materials.
- Participate in constructability reviews, risk assessments, and commissioning planning.
- Support contractor selection and value improvement workshops.
- Assist in defining engineering deliverables for execution.
Engineering, Construction & Startup
- Ensure process quality assurance in detailed engineering and construction.
- Review engineering change notifications and field RFIs.
- Support pre-startup safety reviews and commissioning efforts.
- Validate redlines and as-built drawings for accuracy.
- Contribute to startup activities, performance testing, and close-out reports.
Qualifications & Skills
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (required).
- Minimum 10 years of experience in petrochemical, refining, or related industries.
- Experience in capital project execution, including stage-gate processes.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of industry standards (ANSI, API, ASME, NFPA, PIP, OSHA, ISA).
- Proficiency in Aspen+, Hysys, AFT Fathom, Pipenet, EPCON Suite, or similar tools.
- Understanding of process control, boiler feed water treatment, waste treatment, and petrochemical processes.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and calculations.
Preferred Attributes
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines and drive decision-making.
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.