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Process Optimization Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Acara Solutions

Process Technician 2

Tualatin, OR

$25.89/hr

Support new technology development and process optimization initiatives. * Gain hands-on experience with advanced metrology, process control, and laboratory operations. * Play a direct role in ...

TEL

Process Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

Designs and executes process optimization experiments. Characterizes, compiles, and analyzes test data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications. * Works ...

TEL

Process Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Designs and executes process optimization experiments. Characterizes, compiles, and analyzes test data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process or material specifications. * Works ...

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All JobsProcess Optimization JobsProcess Optimization Jobs in Portland, OR

Process Optimization information

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How much do process optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for process optimization in Portland, OR is $32.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.56 and $39.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process optimization?

A Process Optimization job focuses on analyzing, improving, and streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Professionals in this role use data analysis, automation, and best practices to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure sustainable operational success. Depending on the industry, this role may involve Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to optimize business processes.

What does a process optimization specialist do?

A typical day for a Process Optimization professional involves analyzing current workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions. You may spend time mapping out processes, conducting data analysis, and facilitating meetings or workshops to gather input and drive change. The role often requires balancing hands-on problem solving with documentation and reporting progress to stakeholders. Close collaboration with departments such as production, quality assurance, and IT is common to ensure sustainable improvements. These varied responsibilities keep the work dynamic and provide opportunities for ongoing learning and impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for process optimization?

To thrive in Process Optimization, you need strong analytical skills, a background in process engineering or industrial engineering, and often a relevant degree in engineering, business, or operations management. Familiarity with process mapping software, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, or Tableau is commonly required, with certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt being advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset help candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, facilitating improvements, and driving measurable results across diverse business operations.

What is a process optimization specialist?

A process optimization specialist is a professional who analyzes and improves business processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality. They often use tools like Lean, Six Sigma, or data analysis software and may require certifications in process improvement methodologies.

What jobs involve process improvement?

Jobs that involve process improvement include roles such as Process Improvement Specialist, Business Analyst, Operations Manager, and Lean Six Sigma Consultant. These positions focus on analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing changes to enhance productivity and quality, often requiring skills in data analysis, project management, and familiarity with process improvement methodologies.

What are popular job titles related to Process Optimization jobs in Portland, OR?

For Process Optimization jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Process Optimization jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Optimization jobs in Portland, OR are:

Process Optimization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Optimization job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,579 per year, or $33 per hour.

Process Optimization & Controls Engineer

Deer Island, OR • On-site

Columbia River Nitrogen
See more jobs at Columbia River Nitrogenexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Process Optimization & Controls Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing and production performance through advanced process control, automation, and data‑driven optimization. This role combines control systems engineering with continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency across operations.

This role focuses on alarm management, controller performance, and control loop optimization to improve process stability and reduce operator workload. The position works closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and Reliability and contributes to operating discipline, process safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong grounding in HSE, PSM principles, and alarm management practices 
  • Hands‑on experience with PLC/DCS platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Honeywell, Yokogawa, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of PID control, control loop tuning, and process dynamics.
  • Experience interpreting P&IDs, control schematics, and electrical diagrams.
  • Knowledge of safety systems (SIS, SIL).
  • Ability to analyze DCS and historian data to drive data-based improvements 
  • Working knowledge of ammonia manufacturing and continuous chemical processes 
  • Strong collaboration skills across operations, maintenance, and engineering teams 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders 
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to company values
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Technical Competencies

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, controls engineering or equivalent

Experience / Qualifications: 

Minimum of 3-5 years of process engineering experience at an Ammonia Manufacturing Plant or Chemical Plant

Industry Experience: 

Ammonia Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemical

Regulatory Knowledge:

OSHA, PSM, NFPA, EPA, IEC, IEEE, NEC, API 

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Performance Improvement

  • Analyze production processes to identify efficiency, yield, and capacity improvement opportunities.
  • Optimize control strategies, PID loops, and automation logic to stabilize and improve process performance.
  • Use process data, historians, and statistical tools to diagnose variability and root causes.
  • Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, OEE improvement). 

Control Systems Engineering

  • Develop and maintain control narratives, functional specifications, and logic diagrams.
  • Specify, install, and troubleshoot process instrumentation and control hardware.
  • Support startup, commissioning, and validation of new or modified control systems.
  • Monitor controller and loop performance using DCS and historian data to identify and implement control improvements 
  • Partner with operators, process engineers, and maintenance to develop and deploy improved control strategies 
  • Provide control room oversight during implementation of controller optimization, loop tuning, and control logic changes 
  • Provide instrumentation and controls engineering support including completion of instrument specification sheets 

Operations Support & Troubleshooting

  • Provide day‑to‑day technical support for control systems and process upsets.
  • Collaborate with operations and maintenance to resolve control, instrumentation, and automation issues.
  • Implement alarm management and control system reliability improvements.
  • Maintain system documentation, backups, and configuration control.
  • Own and maintain the plant Alarm Management Program in accordance with site standards and best practices
  • Maintain and continuously improve the alarm management database to reduce nuisance alarms and improve operator effectiveness 

Capital Projects & Collaboration

  • Participate in projects from concept through commissioning by providing DCS and controls support for capital and non-capital projects
  • Work with cross‑functional teams including process engineering, IT, quality, safety, and vendors.
  • Ensure control system designs meet operational, safety, and cybersecurity requirements.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

  • Support process safety activities including PHA, MOC, and safety interlocks.
  • Ensure control systems comply with applicable regulatory and company standards.

Support regulated environments (e.g., FDA, EPA) where applicable.


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