Kent

Compensation

Full Description

Kent is seeking a Lead Process Engineer to be seconded full-time to a major refinery operator located in Baytown, TX. The process engineer will provide onsite technical leadership for early-stage project scoping and development, collaborating with various teams to ensure safe, reliable, and optimized project solutions. Responsibilities • Identify, evaluate, and scope potential capital projects across refinery and petrochemical production units in alignment with client and site business objectives. • Lead early-phase project development from opportunity identification through concept development, optimization, preliminary engineering, and stage-gate deliverables. • Develop robust project design bases and contribute to capital budgeting, economic justification, and forecasting activities. • Ensure all design and engineering work meets quality, cost, schedule, and safety requirements. • Ensure all work is designed and executed with a strong safety focus, reflecting a 'think like an owner' mindset. • Perform and/or review process simulations, hydraulics, equipment and instrument sizing, relief/flare evaluations, PSV sizing calculations, and process optimization studies. • Develop and review key engineering deliverables including BFDs, PFDs, P&IDs, heat and material balances, utility summaries, equipment lists, and datasheets. • Prepare and compile FEED-level documentation packages, including scoping documents, design bases, and stage-gate submissions. • Maintain strong field presence, including site walkdowns, operability assessments, and validation of design assumptions. • Review existing drawings, specifications, and FEED materials to verify compliance with site standards, regulatory requirements, and accepted engineering practices. • Coordinate with operations, maintenance, mechanical, piping, I&C, electrical, and project engineering disciplines to ensure alignment and technical completeness of project concepts. • Participate in PHA, HAZOP, LOPA, and other process safety reviews; prepare or review supporting documentation and ensure timely closeout of findings. • Review vendor and subcontractor documents, drawings, and calculations to validate technical accuracy and compliance. • Provide project status reporting, communicate deliverable requirements, ensure timely response to client requests. • Support construction and commissioning teams by clarifying design intent, addressing field queries, and supporting MOC documentation. • Maintain awareness of relevant engineering standards, industry best practices, and site guidelines; ensure compliance in all deliverables. • Identify scope changes or deviations and support documentation and communication of impacts. • Participate in multi-discipline design reviews, technical discussions, and project meetings with site leadership. • Provide technical guidance and informal mentorship to junior engineers or site technical personnel as needed. • Act professionally and with due diligence at all times to safeguard the interests of the company and the client. • Perform any other duties as required by project or management. Skills • Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. • 20+ years of relevant experience in refinery and petrochemical operations. • Demonstrated ability to lead projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve results on schedule. • Strong background in unit operations and process design / FEED development. • Demonstrated ability to lead early-phase project development (FEL / stage-gate), prepare design bases, and deliver FEED documentation. • Proficiency with process engineering tools and process simulation software. • Strong understanding of P&IDs, PFDs, equipment design, hydraulic analysis, relief systems, flare-load evaluation, and process safety fundamentals. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to collaborate across multi-discipline and cross-functional teams. • Ability to prepare, validate, and communicate clear technical guidance and instructions. • Deep understanding of applicable process engineering codes, standards, and accepted engineering practices. • Strong sense of ownership and demonstrated success working in or closely with operating sites. • Experience preparing capital estimates, forecasts, and budget documentation. • Experience mentoring junior engineers, interns, or early-career professionals. • Commitment to professional conduct, safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical responsibility. • Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments within refinery or petrochemical plant settings. • Full fluency in English is required. • Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Company Overview • Kent is a provider of engineering services for the energy and industrial sectors. It was founded in 1919, and is headquartered in Dubai, Dubai, ARE, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is https://kentplc.com/. Company H1B Sponsorship • Kent has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 1 in 2025, 4 in 2024, 7 in 2023, 4 in 2022. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.