Senior Process Engineer

My client is currently seeking a Senior Process Engineer for their refinery in Bakersfield, CA! This will be a 6-month contract with the chance to extend or go direct. 
Job Summary:
The Startup Process Engineer will provide technical support for the entire Refinery from startup to daily operations. This position is responsible for daily monitoring and troubleshooting before and during startup, process optimization, and process adjustment as the facility is “dialed in”.
Essential Functions:

• Oversee day-to-day operations and optimization to ensure commercial and logistical requirements are met
• Check the catalyst life and health to determine if the feedstock is causing any issues
• Identify opportunities for improvement (proactively and reactively)
• Study and redline P&ID’S, schematics, manuals, and other information to review and input into installation, operational and maintenance procedure as needed changes are identified based on startup conditions.
• Inspect field equipment installation according to the design and fabricator’s specifications
• Work with engineering personnel to troubleshoot process upsets in system operation and provide feedback on RCA (root cause analysis) reports as needed
• Work with vendors, licensor, and contractors to support successful startup of the Renewable Fuels Refinery
• Support Renewable Fuels Refinery startup with alternative work schedules and/or night shifts to ensure the project is/stays on schedule
• Provide operational technical support during test runs, commissioning, startups and shutdowns
• Monitor daily process by communicating performance, optimization opportunities, and environmental performance. Daily interaction and communication with Board Operators.
• Assist troubleshooting efforts with upsets, product quality incidents, meeting production plans, etc.
• Provide after-hours support when appropriate – emergency call out
• 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
• Work closely with existing engineering staff to optimize facility
• Support/review operations procedures for start-up and shutdown
• Review and approve vendor chemical programs
• Understand controls logic and any Advanced Process Controls (APC)
• 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.)
• Maintain current work lists with priorities
• Perform other tasks as assigned
• A refinery is a 24/7 operation and the Process Engineer needs to be available as needed during operations

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to think on your feet and make process decisions quickly and efficiently
• 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:

• Required-BS Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• -MS and/or PhD Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering,
• Required-10+ years of Process Engineering operations experience in petrochemical, refining, or heavy industrial sectors operations working on the owner side required
• -Experience with renewable diesel production, Hydroprocessing, hydrogen production, and gas plant equipment and ancillary support systems
• Required-Experience in commissioning and startup

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

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.