Engineer, Advanced Process Controls

Basic Function

The Advanced Process Control Engineer has the primary responsibility for defining and maintaining the control strategies and automated optimization within the assigned operating unit, including both real-time optimization and advanced process control applications, as well as DCS-based regulatory controls. 

Roles & Responsibilities

Conceive, Justify, Design, Commission, and Maintain APC and Multi-Unit optimization applications:
•    Collaborate with unit engineers/SMEs to identify new opportunities, deficiencies, or performance shortfalls applicable to advanced process control. Assess potential benefits for proper prioritization and incorporate into APC Long Range Plan where appropriate.
•    Lead the technical effort through all phases of new and revamp of applications: Initial regulatory test & review, plant tests, data analysis, development of inferred property calculations, model development, controller tuning, commissioning, operator training, benefits analysis, long-term support.
•    Validate benefits of recently-installed and existing APC and optimization applications or other improvements, and document in site revenue enhancement database.
•    Collaborate with Control Systems Specialists and Engineers to sustain APC performance & KPIs by providing regular monitoring and timely support of existing applications.
•    Collaborate with unit engineers/SMEs to ensure that APC control strategies and unit optimization applications continue to push towards optimal limits as business drivers or operating conditions change.
•    Collaborate with Process Control Specialists to develop and maintain APC documentation for controls in supported unit, and work with operations to update documentation and unit operating manuals as needed to reflect changes to control strategies.
•    Collaborate with central planning and optimization group to make sure the site optimization goals are aligned with the overall business goals.
•    Support the Advanced Control and Optimization Technical Network, advancing best practices and supporting corporate initiatives.
Oversee the performance of regulatory DCS control strategies:
•    Provide technical expertise to project teams and/or Process Control Specialists regarding control strategy development or modification as necessitated by operational or equipment changes.
•    Provide technical support/guidance to Process Control Specialists and Engineers as needed to address complex or recurring issues with DCS controls.
•    Collaborate with organization to update and maintain the site Long Range Plan for regulatory and support systems

Min. Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, required
• Minimum of 6 years of Advanced Process Controls or Process Engineering experience in the petrochemical industry, required
• This position requires negotiating skills and the ability to resolve conflict across departmental lines to achieve objectives
• The individual should understand process engineering theory and have the ability to learn control theory fundamentals
• This position requires a commitment to learn and understand the development and application of new control systems and new control strategies
• Candidates must have excellent leadership, ethics, teamwork, and communication skills with a results oriented commitment. The ability to manage multiple and changing priorities is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

2 years of experience in key technologies, Aspen DMC, Propylene Oxide (PO), preferred

Competencies