Project Engineer I

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

Provides the Engineering design, controls procurement, and coordinates construction of expense and capital projects assigned to meet the requirements of cost, schedule and scope. Gives problem-solving consultation as requested and develops Engineering procedures in order to ensure optimum Engineering support for plant facilities. Participate in the application of new technology and materials to existing processes, so as to increase overall production and/or maintenance efficiency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the general plan for a project, prepare budget estimates, and obtain approval for the plan. Write Authorization for Expenditures, executive summaries, and support Capex efforts annually
• Provide a detailed mechanical design in accordance with good Engineering and safety practices, governmental regulation, plant specifications, applicable codes and underwriter requirements. Design instrumentation systems and associated equipment, make inquiries on and select equipment. Coordinate the activities of consulting firms when necessary.
• Initiate procurement of materials and communicate with Purchasing, vendors and stores to control expediting and receiving of material.
• Direct designers, check drawings and submit for approval.
• Prepare work descriptions and specifications; issue requisitions for Purchasing to collect bids. Review and give comments on Engineering Bid Comparisons and submit for approval.
• Coordinate field installation, inspect and accept work. Prepare contractors information list and review it periodically to check the performance of each contractor.
• Prepare project status and construction progress and cost reports on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.
• Collect and distribute Engineering data and instructions for each specific project, communicate with Maintenance and Production to acquire design feedback from experience on previously installed equipment and material.
• Assist in troubleshooting and solve problems of large systems and processes.
• Consult with other Engineering personnel and vendors and review trade journals and other professional publications in order to stay informed on materials, equipment and design methods.
• Contribute to creating and maintaining a favorable plant image by encouraging positive relations with employees and the community, encouraging maximum safety efforts by employees, and maintaining ethical practices and relationships within the plant.
• Perform special projects as assigned; i.e., obtaining regulatory information, sharing information on common industrial topics with local industry, provides information to underwriters on testing requirements and procedures, enlisting consulting services and other coordination activities as required to assure effective Engineering service.
• Provide required engineering services and technical knowledge for the application of new or different processes, equipment, and materials to existing production units to improve production rates, quality, lower production cost, or to improve equipment reliability.
• Participate in rotating On-call duties for the site, as plant experience is obtained and assessed to be adequate by supervision. Is available after hours by phone (or otherwise) for consultation and/or possible call-out for plant problems or emergencies.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate; promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected. Attend Monthly Safety Meetings to help prevent off site and job accidents.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) is required.
• Must have a minimum of 5years of experience in a related industry performing Engineering design responsibilities.
• Formalized team leadership training in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma preferred is desired.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills; must be detail oriented.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May require travel up to 10% of the time. Incumbent must be able to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in the office. The engineer will be required to frequently walk through the manufacturing facility. The work environment at the facility can include excessive noise levels, dust, exposure to weather elements, high temperatures, working around or adjacent to moving and mobile equipment and climbing ladders. Appropriate personal protective equipment including hearing protection, steel toe shoes, safety glasses and/or hard hats are required while working in a facility. The position requires the incumbent travel to the various manufacturing facilities as much as 10% of the time.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.