Process Optimization Engineer

Backed by an over 130-year history, Ecovyst has evolved into a platform of leading sulfur solutions united by a shared commitment to reliability, innovation, and performance. We have carefully cultivated our reputation as a premier provider of virgin sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid regeneration services, and sulfuric acid derivatives. We provide specialty grade high-purity virgin sulfuric acid for a number of diverse and growing end uses. Among them are mining, particularly copper for electronics applications, production of electric vehicles and the ongoing expansion of data centers across the globe, and industrial applications including our customers’ production of nylon precursors, production of lead acid batteries for all types of vehicles, industrial and municipal water treatment, and refining and petrochemical processes.

• Ecoservices provides sulfuric acid regeneration, produces virgin sulfuric acid, and offers chemical waste handling and treatment services
• Calabrian produces high-value sulfur dioxide and derivative solutions, enabling us to serve a broader set of essential industries
• Chem32 sulfides and activates catalysts for refining and renewable fuel processes

What we offer:

• Competitive pay
• Full benefit package
• 401k matching
• Tuition Reimbursement

Position Overview:

Under the guidance of Process Optimization Manager, support the day-to-day production activities to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Identify and execute process improvement initiatives. Track and optimize site asset utilization, production performance, and variable manufacturing costs. Perform engineering analysis to reduce waste and down time. Support plant HSE initiatives and incorporate process safety practices.

Local candidates to the Greater Houston area will only be considered at this time

What you will be doing:

• Supports all Operations and Logistics process optimization at Houston site. 
• Utilizes process control knowledge to support plant automation/control systems projects and improvements, i.e., tuning and revising control narratives.
• Applies engineering principles to design, modify, or develop facilities, testing, machines, equipment or processes used in processing Sulfuric Acid and/or Treatment Services in regeneration sulfuric acid units and/or Logistics activities to meet customer requirements.
• Utilizes OSI PI software to provide advanced troubleshooting for plant problems and review unit performance improvements. Provides justification for projects and improvements through data analysis and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Utilizes process control knowledge to support plant automation/control systems projects and improvements, i.e., tuning and revising control narratives.
• Responsible for SUMO for the Site. (SUMO = Performance data that determines overall plant “well-being” with respect to plant rate and efficiency of process equipment.
• Utilizes technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations to create long-term improvements in the plants.
• Completes small capital project scope development and execution of small projects (typically < $250k)
• Develop plant skills and knowledge of the Regen sulfuric acid process to provide advanced technical support to Operations, Maintenance, and Project support functions.
• Utilize interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with and actively involve Operations in projects and unit testing to drive improvement in plant performance.
• Lead / Participate in Unit HAZOPS and follow-up action items as required to mitigate risks in the unit from the PHA.
• Provides advanced troubleshooting support to operations personnel in each unit and works closely with the Unit Teams and engineers to effectively troubleshoot plant-wide issues.
• Provides support during absence of Process Optimization Manager as needed.
• Act as a steward for maintaining excellent HSSE performance in the plant – fulfill the HSSE Leadership Expectations.
• Utilizes the MOC process when required for process improvement changes.
• Works diligently to reduce variable expenditures of plant, such as natural gas & Caustic consumption.
• Perform required safety audits (My Check Five, GSWP, PSSR, etc.)
• Reviews and discusses safety incident occurrences on the electronic incident database (Enablon) within the plant.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering from a four-year college or university highly preferred, will consider all Engineering disciplines
• 3-7 years of plant or manufacturing engineering experience. 2+ years of production engineering experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker's Identification Card.
• Leverage technical data to create various communications (email, presentation, executive summary, etc.) to support technical determinations used in critical decision making. Includes presenting proposals to leadership and upper management.
• Participates in panel discussions and debates. Speaks extemporaneously on a variety of subjects to employees within the company.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends to support plant operating demands during abnormal situations, Turnaround activities and call-duty weeks.