Assistant Process Engineer Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Job Summary: 

The Senior Process Engineer provides technical support for refinery operations. They are responsible unit monitoring, daily troubleshooting, operations support, process optimization, and development of small capital projects / modifications to existing units.  

Essential Functions: 

• Oversee day-to-day operational performance and optimization to ensure safe operations and that, regulatory, commercial, and logistical requirements are met
• Monitor catalyst health and proactively report catalyst performance and end of run projections.  Work closely with the catalyst supplier when needed.
• Identify opportunities for improvement (proactively and reactively)
• Participate in alarm rationalization (AOA)
• Inspect field equipment installation according to the design and fabricator’s specifications during unit outages and upgrades.
• Inspect vessel internals for proper installation and tolerances of components
• Work with engineering and operations personnel to troubleshoot process upsets in and provide feedback on RCA (root cause analysis) reports as needed.
• Work with vendors, licensors, and contractors to support debottlenecking, optimization, and troubleshooting as needed to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Provide operational technical support during test runs, commissioning, startups and shutdowns
• Monitor daily process indicators and communicate performance, optimization opportunities, and environmental performance. Daily interaction and communication with field and board/console operators. 
• Assist troubleshooting efforts with upsets, product quality incidents, meeting production plans, etc.
• Provide after-hours support when appropriate – emergency call out, etc.
• Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as part of routine reporting (WABT curve, fouling, chemical and catalyst budgets, yields, etc.)
• Manage catalyst performance and coordinate catalyst change timing.
• Develop justification and work scope for T/A and routine maintenance – specifically catalyst changeout, exchanger cleaning, furnace pigging, etc. 

• Publish technical recommendation memos and turnaround reports
• Support T/A with potential extended work schedules and/or night shifts as appropriate
• Support/review operations procedures for start-up and shutdown
• Review and approve vendor chemical programs
• Small to medium capital project process engineering support
• Lead and participate in the MOC process and participate in hazard reviews (What-Ifs, HAZOPs), support Process Safety Information (PSI) and troubleshooting
• Support unit operation within environmental limits
• Perform environmental calculations (leaks, maximum intended inventory, etc.)
• Lead investigations for process related events
• Maintain current work lists with priorities
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
• Proven ability to provide process engineering support for large complex industrial projects 
• Familiarity with applicable health and safety regulations
• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Proficient with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite 

Education and Experience: 

• BS Chemical Engineering degree
• MS and/or PhD Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical , preferred
• 10+ years of process engineering operations support experience in petrochemical, refining, and/or renewable fuels processing. 
• Experience with renewable diesel production, hydroprocessing, hydrogen production, and gas plant equipment and ancillary support systems preferred

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive movements over long periods of time
• Requires frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring equipment and materials
• Ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus
• Must be able to climb ladders and or stairs on tanks, vessels and structures; wear respirator; work around equipment containing high pressures and temperatures and various chemicals

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.