Operations Process Support Engineer

Position Overview:

The CCR Operations Engineer provides engineering support for continuous operation of the CAPOC network, which includes pipeline distribution systems for oxygen and nitrogen, nine Air Separation Units (ASUs), two nitrogen liquefiers, a hydrogen liquefier, and associated compression, storage, and backup systems. The engineer is responsible for applying core chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering principles to optimize production, minimize energy consumption, improve argon recovery, and enhance overall equipment reliability. This role requires strong analytical capability, handson operational understanding, and proficiency with distributed control systems and industrial process data.

Primary Responsibilities:

Process & Efficiency Optimization:

• Perform daily evaluation of ASU and liquefier performance using trend data, power curves, specific energy ratios, and argon recovery metrics.
• Conduct mass and energy balance checks to validate plant operation and verify abnormal system behavior.
• Identify deviations in column performance, HX T profiles, compressor maps, and liquefaction efficiency.

Control Room & Automation Support:

• Develop expert-level understanding of CAPOC SCADA/DCS board operations, including monitoring of pipeline pressures, column differentials, purity analyzers, cryogenic temperatures, and compressor load management.
• Interpret P&IDs, loop sheets, alarm histories, control logic, and interlocks to diagnose automationrelated issues.

Troubleshooting & Field Engineering:

• Lead troubleshooting for abnormal operating conditions such as column instability, equipment startup issues such as excessive rotating equipment vibration, contaminated adsorber beds, or offspec purity events.
• Support field operations during plant thaws, pipeline maintenance, compressor trips, electrical faults, and cryogenic equipment outages.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) using engineering methodologies such as 5 Why, FTA, and failure mode analysis.
• Execute small scale cost reduction and/or reliability projects, ensuring safe, ontime, and onbudget delivery.

Technical Documentation & Procedure Management:

• Develop, revise, and validate Standard Safe Operating Procedures (SSOPs) addressing startups, shutdowns, column transitions, thaw operations, and emergency response actions.
• Ensure SSOPs align with best engineering practices, equipment manufacturer specifications, and process safety requirements.

Alarm & Control System Optimization:

• Improve alarm management by analyzing nuisance alarms, bad actor tags, and operator alarm loads.
• Recommend changes to alarm setpoints, priorities, suppression logic, and deadbands to improve operator situational awareness.

Engineering Management of Change (EMOC):

• Own and execute the EMOC process for CCR-related modifications, including process changes, control logic updates, equipment setpoint adjustments, and pipeline configuration changes.
• Validate changes through engineering calculations, hazard assessments, and functional checks.

Data, Analytics & Reporting:

• Use historian tools to extract operational datasets and perform statistical analysis to identify performance degradation, optimization opportunities, and cost-reduction projects.
• Support monthly billing through verification of flowmeter integrity, calibration compliance, and data reconciliation.

Safety & Compliance:

• Maintain strict adherence to PSM requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and QA/QC standards.
• Participate in safety reviews, HAZOPs, and MOC hazard evaluations.

Productivity & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead defined productivity initiatives related to energy reduction, yield improvement, compressor efficiency, reliability enhancement, or automation improvements.
• Track performance metrics and report progress to leadership.

Work Environment:

This position requires hybrid office and field responsibilities. Work may include elevated structures, confined spaces, and exposure to ambient temperature extremes at ASU facilities. Offhours availability is required for operational support. Travel up to 15% may be required for onsite troubleshooting, commissioning, and project support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering.
• 1-2 years of field operations experience in chemical processing, petroleum refining, or air separation.
• Familiarity with ASU processes, cryogenic distillation, rotating equipment, and industrial instrumentation.
• Ability to support onsite equipment diagnostics and operational investigations.
• 10-15% travel required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of ASU operations or industrial gas facility experience.
• Competency in troubleshooting compressors, expanders, blowers, pumps, heat exchangers, and adsorption systems.
• Experience with DCS/SCADA control logic, alarm tuning, and control loop optimization.
• Project management experience including scope development, planning, and execution oversight.

Competencies:

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize large datasets into actionable engineering insights.
• Effective collaboration with operators, technicians, engineers, and management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond rapidly to operational needs.

About Linde:

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2024 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet.

Culture:

At Linde, we strive to create a work environment that treats all employees with respect, supports new thoughts and ideas, encourages growth and development, celebrates our differences, and embraces inclusion. Linde is committed to remaining an employer of choice for the diverse, ever-increasing pool of global talent.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com.

Benefits:

Linde Gases US offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package. Enjoy access to health, dental, disability, and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, 401(k) matching, pension benefits, an employee discount program, and opportunities for educational and professional growth. Additional compensation may vary depending on the position and organizational level. Build your future with us while making an impact every day!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

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