Process Engineer (DM)

• Base Pay $140,500.00 - $180,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Process Technology, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others Yes

Contact information

• Email View email address on click.appcast.io

Description

Process Engineering Department Manager
California Office | Western U.S. Growth

ORION ENGINEERS + CONSTRUCTORS is expanding in the Western U.S. and seeking an experienced Process Engineering Department Manager to help grow our Western U.S. presence. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for a process engineering professional who enjoys delivering technical solutions, developing engineers, building client relationships, and supporting regional growth.

Job Summary

As part of Orion Engineers + Constructors’ Engineering Services Department, the Process Engineering Department Manager provides technical and departmental leadership for process engineering activities supporting oil and gas, chemicals, refining, and related industrial facilities.

Based in the Western US, this role combines hands‑on process engineering with responsibility for work allocation, technical quality, staff development, and coordination across multidisciplinary project teams. The Department Manager will work closely with company leadership, project managers, and clients to deliver successful projects, strengthen process engineering capabilities, and support Orion’s growth throughout the Western U.S.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Department Leadership and Regional Growth
• Lead and develop the process engineering team, establishing clear expectations for technical quality, accountability, collaboration, and project execution.
• Plan and coordinate departmental workloads, staffing needs, and resource assignments to support project commitments and business priorities.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, and performance management of process engineering personnel.
• Establish and maintain consistent engineering practices, design tools, calculation methods, and quality review processes.
• Work with company leadership to build process engineering capabilities and support growth throughout the Western U.S.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, understand client needs, and help identify opportunities for additional engineering services.
• Support proposals, scope development, engineering estimates, staffing plans, and project schedules.
• Monitor departmental project commitments, budgets, and deliverables, addressing technical or resource concerns proactively.
• Technical Leadership and Project Execution
• Serve as a technical lead and senior reviewer for process engineering assignments from early concept development through detailed engineering and implementation.
• Develop, review, and approve process design deliverables within assigned authority, including heat and material balances, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform or oversee process simulations using Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, ProMax, or equivalent software to support design, debottlenecking, and optimization studies.
• Perform or oversee hydraulic calculations and line sizing for liquid, gas, and multiphase piping systems.
• Size and specify process equipment, including pumps, vessels, heat exchangers, compressors, and control valves, and review associated process datasheets.
• Lead or oversee relief system and flare evaluations, including identification of relief scenarios, calculation of relief loads, and Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) sizing in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Participate in process safety activities, including HAZOP, PHA, and SIL reviews, and coordinate incorporation of resulting recommendations into project designs.
  Prepare and review design reports, calculations, datasheets, engineering memoranda, and other technical documentation.
• Coordinate with piping, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, and project management teams to align process engineering work with overall project objectives.
• Review vendor documentation and packaged equipment designs for consistency with process requirements and project specifications.
• Provide technical guidance for commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities, as needed.
• Communicate technical findings, project status, risks, and recommendations clearly to clients, leadership, and project teams.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support project, departmental, and company objectives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; a master’s degree is a plus.
• Substantial progressive process engineering experience in oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, refining, or related industrial markets.
• Demonstrated experience leading process engineering teams or significant multidisciplinary project assignments, with responsibility for technical quality, staffing, budgets, and schedules.
• Experience mentoring engineers, reviewing technical work, and supporting employee development.
• Experience working directly with clients and supporting proposals, scope development, and engineering estimates.
• Experience in an engineering consulting or EPC environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of process design fundamentals, fluid flow, heat transfer, equipment sizing, and process safety.
• Hands‑on experience with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, ProMax, or similar tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency developing and reviewing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, and equipment datasheets.
• Working knowledge of industry codes and standards applicable to process design, relief systems, and flare systems.
• Experience with relief system analysis, flare system evaluation, and HAZOP/PHA studies.
• Ability to balance hands‑on technical responsibilities with department leadership, staff development, and business priorities.
• Sound engineering judgment and the ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve complex technical and execution challenges.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present recommendations and build productive client relationships.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines, offices, and project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets company requirements when driving is required for the position.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card if required for assigned client facilities.
• Ability to travel to client sites, project locations, and other company offices as needed.
• Ability to meet applicable background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and client‑site access requirements, consistent with applicable law.
• Authorization to work in the United States in accordance with applicable law. Orion is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the responsibilities of the position.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Work assignment inside an operating plant which requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboard.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and climb on a ladder or up and down stairs.
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle to and from job sites or office locations.
• Must be able to attend job walks wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in an operating facility in a hot climate.
• Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off (PTO), and long- and short-term disability insurance. We also offer additional voluntary benefits such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, cancer, and accident coverage, along with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ORION is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment background checks and substance abuse testing. We participate in the E-Verify Federal Identification System.