Job Function
The PSM / Process Engineer at AMVAC’s Los Angeles chemical manufacturing plant is responsible for process engineering and Process Safety Management including startup, troubleshooting, and production of various chemical products. Responsibilities include overall ownership of all elements of the OSHA PSM standard and EPA RMP Rule; as well as aiding in capital and process improvement projects. The PSM / Plant Process Engineer will work closely with plant management and the EHS department to ensure proper process information is developed, reviewed, and made available to meet company, local, and federal regulations.
AMVAC®, an American Vanguard® Company (NYSE: AVD) headquartered in the U.S., is a solutions provider for global agriculture that is committed to technology, innovation, and sustainability with a diverse portfolio of products. AMVAC develops, manufactures, and markets solutions for crop protection and nutrition, turf and ornamentals management, and commercial and consumer pest control. We focus on four innovation platforms: Proven Chemistries, Precision Agriculture, GreenSolutions, and Sustainability Solutions for plant and soil health.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide technical support and make improvements to operations through process troubleshooting and optimization of manufacturing units (batch & continuous)
- Support plant Process Safety Management systems; coordinate PSM audits and ensure compliance
- Coordinate PSM field activities through Process Unit PSM leaders and participate in Process hazard analysis (PHA)
- Track PHA compliance, lead reviews, and manage Process Hazard Analysis reporting
- Oversee Risk Management to ensure compliance with USEPA RMP & CALARP (state) regulations
- Assist with Emergency Response planning and reporting
- Track and report on Corrective Action responses and recommendations; communicate across cross-functional organizations and management
- Proactively seek ways to improve production rates, yields, quality, and costs
- Develop P&IDs; PFDs and oversee simulation and process design
- Provide engineering documentation for sizing of process equipment, i.e., pumps, control valves, and relief valves
- Assist with instrumentation specifications and selection; capital projects and plant start-ups
- Troubleshoot any processing, quality, or equipment abnormalities
- Work with the R&D group to translate and develop new process designs into plant production and assist with environmental compliance requirements
- Review equipment approval drawings, vendor documents, and other documentation provided by other disciplines
- Develop major equipment specifications including reactors, distillation columns & hydraulic calculations
- Perform heat exchange equipment design and analysis
- Model physical properties for a broad spectrum of fluids and mixtures
- Writes campaign summaries and technical reports and prepares capital project estimates
- Comply and ensure compliance with all regulatory safety and environmental requirements and with all company policies, practices, and lawful directives
- Performs other assignments as necessary and directed by management
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineer (BS ChE) required
- 5+ years’ experience in a PSM-regulated chemical manufacturing plant with a broad technical understanding of plant operations
- PSM expertise including understanding and experience implementing all 14 elements of Process Safety Management
- 2+ years overseeing PHA methodologies and managing Process Safety Management in a specialty chemical manufacturing operation
- Knowledge of Process Design, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), and Heat Exchange systems
- Experience overseeing PSM / PHA / RMP audits, ensuring compliance and reporting
- In-plant optimization experience
- Ability to use Delta V (or similar) and hydraulic calculation software
- Experience troubleshooting process equipment and instrumentation; predictive and preventative maintenance
- Successful history of working as a team member as well as independently
- Must have excellent communication written and verbal; report writing and tracking
- Strong computer skills including EXCEL, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Pass a post-offer background check and pre-employment physical test
Education Requirements
- B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university required
- Master's degree a plus
AMVAC Offers
- Health insurance including Medical, Dental, and Vision offered at low cost to employees and their families
- Life; AD&D insurance for employees and their families
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching after 30 days
- Annual salary (not including outstanding benefits or bonus) from $90K - $130K
- Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) with employee discount [AMVAC is an American Vanguard Company (NYSE: AVD)]
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available
- Wellness program; tuition reimbursement and other benefits
AMVAC, an American Vanguard company, successfully serves global markets through development, manufacturing and marketing of products for agricultural and commercial use. (NYSE: AVD)
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
AMVAC is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. 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. View links:
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