Job description
NovaChem Industries is a leading innovator in sustainable chemical processing. Based in Houston, we are seeking a Senior Chemical Process Engineer to design, optimize, and scale complex chemical processes across our portfolio of products. This role requires strong collaboration with R&D, operations, safety, and quality teams to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant processes.
In this role you will lead process design and optimization from concept through commissioning, perform rigorous mass and energy balances, conduct HAZOPs, and implement process control strategies using industry-standard tools. You will mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibility
- Lead front-to-back process design from concept through commissioning for chemical production facilities.
- Perform mass and energy balances, thermodynamic modeling, and process simulations using Aspen HYSYS or equivalent tools.
- Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and utility integration; optimize heat integration and energy efficiency.
- Conduct HAZOP studies, risk assessments, and implement safety and environmental controls.
- Drive continuous improvement through DOE experiments, process optimization, and KPI tracking.
- Collaborate with R&D, operations, and quality teams to deliver scalable and compliant processes.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers; support training and knowledge sharing.
- Support project management activities, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's preferred.
- 5+ years of process engineering experience in chemical manufacturing or petrochemical environments.
- Strong proficiency in process simulation tools (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus) and CFD is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience with PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and process control strategies.
- Experience with HAZOP, LOPA, risk assessment, and safety standards (OSHA/ EPA).
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- Strong initiative for continuous improvement and data-driven decision making; proficiency with DOE and optimization methods.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.