Engineer Sr.

Westlake makes chemical and plastic products, which in turn make life better for people every day. We are a quality manufacturer and dependable global supplier of petrochemicals, plastics and building products. Our mission is to serve our clients by enhancing daily life through the products and services we provide. 

This position provides the engineering design, controls procurement, and coordinates construction of expense and capital projects assigned to meet the requirements of cost, schedule and scope.  Gives problem-solving consultation as requested, assists in the development of engineering personnel, and develops engineering procedures in order to ensure optimum engineering support for Plant facilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops the general plan for a project, prepares a budget estimate, and obtains approval for the plan.
• Provides a detailed design in accordance with good engineering and safety practices, governmental regulation, plant specifications, applicable codes and underwriter requirements.  Designs piping and associated equipment, makes inquiries on and selects equipment.  Coordinates the activities of consulting firms when necessary.
• Initiates procurement of materials and communicates with purchasing, vendors and stores to control expediting and receiving of material.
• Inspects new equipment for quality and conformance to specification.         
• Directs draftsmen, checks drawings and submits for approval.
• Prepares work descriptions and drafts of engineering contracts for outside contract work, contacts contractors as necessary to obtain quotations on work to be performed.  Prepares bid comparison, selects contractor, prepares requisition and submits for approval.
• Coordinates field installation, inspects and accepts work.  Prepares contractors information list and reviews it periodically to check the performance of each contractor.
• Prepares project status and construction progress and cost reports on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.
• Collects and distributes engineering data and instructions for each specific project, communicates with Maintenance and Production to acquire design feedback from experiences on previously installed equipment and material.
• Investigates and studies major maintenance problems and proposes solutions, provides engineering consultation and technical guidance as required by Maintenance and Production.
• Assists in the development of engineering personnel, recommends seminars and other technical training programs that might aid in the development of engineers, consults with and provides guidance for beginning engineers.
• Consults with other engineering personnel and vendors and reviews trade journals and other professional publications in order to stay informed on materials, equipment and design methods.
• Contributes to creating and maintaining a favorable Plant image by encouraging positive relations with employees and the community, encouraging maximum safety efforts by employees, and maintaining ethical practices and relationships within the Plant.
• Performs special projects as assigned, i.e., obtaining regulatory information, sharing information on common industrial topics with local industry, provide information to underwriters on testing requirements and procedures, enlisting consulting services and other coordination activities as required to assure effective engineering services.
• Oversees Vessel, Tank and piping inspections and recommends repairs as required.
• Fully support Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well active participation on projects teams.
• Must perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
• This position may be required to drive company vehicles from time to time.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Engineering, preferably in Chemical Engineering
• Eight years of refinery, or chemical plant process or production experience  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Employee may be required to use stairs/elevators and have the ability to occasionally work at elevated heights.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must take general decisions requiring judgement and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, FRC (flame retardant clothing) etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto.