Process Engineer Jobs in Opelika, AL (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer supports plant Operations and Maintenance by providing expertise in process control, instrumentation, and automation systems. The primary goal of the role is to improve process capability, product yield, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency. The Process Engineer analyzes process losses and downtime, identifies improvement opportunities, and leads projects that enhance plant performance.

This position is responsible for troubleshooting and optimizing process control systems, supporting instrumentation maintenance and calibration, and developing operating procedures to ensure reliable equipment performance. The Process Engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality and Equipment Engineering teams to solve technical problems, implement improvements, and support safe and efficient plant operations. The Process Engineers are members of the Engineering Team.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, data analysis skills, and the ability to provide leadership and guidance during troubleshooting, maintenance activities, and process improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Qualified Candidates must have knowledge and experience with the following:

• Experience with process control, instrumentation, and automation systems in a chemical manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process optimization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.

• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, and data acquisition tools.

• Understanding of process safety, risk assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Knowledge of industry codes and standards such as ASME, IEEE, NFPA, NEC, ANSI, and OSHA requirements.

Leadership & Project Management

• Ability to lead process improvement and capital projects.

• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors.

• Capable of training and mentoring operations and maintenance personnel.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build collaborative relationships across departments.

• Skilled at communicating technical concepts and driving business initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to safety.

• Results-oriented with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain the plant's process control, automation, and data systems strategy, standards, and long-term roadmap.

• Lead the design, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of process control and monitoring systems while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safe work practices.

• Manage data acquisition systems, including process data collection, reporting, trending, alarm monitoring, and performance analytics.

• Coordinate with engineering firms, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and contractors to support projects, equipment upgrades, and technical problem resolution.

• Implement and continuously improve alarm management systems, including alarm rationalization, prioritization, nuisance alarm reduction, and historical performance analysis.

• Optimize process control performance through controller tuning and continuous improvement of DCS, PLC, pneumatic, and other control systems.

• Establish and maintain instrumentation standards, calibration practices, and equipment specifications to ensure reliability and consistency across the plant.

• Develop and deliver technical training for operators, maintenance personnel, and engineers on new and upgraded control systems and equipment.

• Support plant outages, startups, troubleshooting activities, and emergency response efforts while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.

• Provide technical leadership for instrumentation and control systems during maintenance, repair, and modification activities.

• Assist with planning, budgeting, and prioritization of process control, instrumentation, and automation improvement projects.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Chemical (preferred), Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline.

Technical Expertise