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SUMMARY

Leads the Lake Charles PE&O automation group servicing the Lake Charles Petro Facilities. Meets internal customer requirements for the maintenance and application of automation technologies to sustain and improve the plant’s processes and communication systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises and assigns work to process automation personnel.

• Oversees training of process automation personnel and evaluates proficiencies.

• Provides performance/developmental goals and conducts performance assessment reviews for process automation personnel per Company guidelines.

• Oversees development of capital upgrade/improvement plan for process automation and safety instrumented systems’ hardware and software.

• Provides leadership in collaboration with the Instrument Reliability Superintendent to ensure the site's Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) program complies with IEC 61511/ISA 84 standards and Westlake policies, while supporting ongoing system reliability, performance monitoring, and lifecycle management.

• Oversees and coordinates compliance with automation systems’ industry standards, including IEC 62443/NIST 82 and with similar Westlake security policy.

• Coordinates and prioritizes efforts of available resources to deliver on-time and on-budget completion of tasks and projects.

• Coordinates Process Automation Systems coverage and technical support during planned and unplanned operational events, including unit startups, shutdowns, turnarounds, freeze protection activities, severe weather responses, and other critical operating conditions, ensuring automation system reliability, timely issue resolution, and safe plant operations.

• Collaborates with the Instrument Reliability Superintendent to develop and execute the site's digitalization strategy, leveraging advanced automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, connected worker technologies, and emerging Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance operational excellence, asset reliability, and business performance.

• Provides information to IE&C Manager in order to prepare annual expense budget.

• Develops and maintains procedures and standards in the automation systems’ environment to continuously improve existing processes.

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders (e.g. operations, engineering, site and corporate EHS consultants and vendors).

• Researches current automation systems’ industry initiatives, best practices, and standards in order to appraise applicability, leverage, and benefit the facility.

• Attracts and retains strong technical resources and supports the growth and development of technical team members.

• Provide monthly SIS KPI report to PSM Department by required date.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A current, valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card is required.

• Bachelor degree in the field of Engineering strongly preferred. 

• 10+ years of in the Industrial Automation sector.

•  BPCS experience with ABB, Honeywell, or DeltaV and Triconex Safety Systems is preferred.

• Solid understanding of the chemical process environment.

• Extensive knowledge of process control systems and solutions.

• Knowledge and experience in application and compliance of Safety Instrumented Systems.

• Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE) or equivalent strongly preferred.

• Project management skills, including organizing, tracking, reporting and record keeping.

• Familiarity with NFPA and API Standards strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; 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, or crouch. 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, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

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.