Chemical Process Engineer
The Chemical Process Engineer role is a contract position focused on supporting pilot plant operations, process improvement, and equipment troubleshooting in a hands-on environment. This entry-level opportunity involves working closely with operators to collect data, perform engineering calculations, and assist with equipment installation and maintenance on a large industrial site. The role requires flexibility for shift work and emphasizes practical engineering skills and technical communication.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Chemical Manufacturing / Process Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This is a hands-on, field-focused contract role supporting pilot-plant and process engineering projects. Typical responsibilities include:
- Support engineering activities across multiple ongoing projects.
- Operate chemical pilot plants as part of a collaborative shift team.
- Work closely with operators to collect process data and produce hydrocarbon and chemical products.
- Compile and analyze operating data, prepare mass balances, and generate technical reports.
- Monitor pilot plant performance and troubleshoot process or equipment issues.
- Assist with equipment installation, maintenance, turnaround activities, and unit cleanup.
- Prepare samples and support lab testing and analysis.
- Help develop and maintain operating procedures, safety documentation, and work instructions.
- Work with pumps, heat tracing, drum heaters, high-temperature oils, piping systems, and chemicals.
- Support or supervise pilot plant operations based on project needs and experience.
- Perform practical engineering calculations including pressure-drop, pipe sizing & velocity, conductive and convective heat-transfer estimates, and particle-transport calculations.
- Support process-control activities and implement chemical processes using appropriate control strategies.
- Assist with pilot plant design, process-system development, and mechanical design tasks.
- Use Microsoft Excel, Word, and Visio to organize data, document processes, and communicate results.
What We’re Looking For
We are recruiting early-career to experienced engineers who are practical, safety-minded, and comfortable working in the field:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering REQUIRED.
- No experience required; up to two years preferred (entry-level candidates encouraged).
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Experience with Visio, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or other CAD software is a plus.
- Ability to perform thermodynamic and process calculations.
- Mechanical aptitude and interest in building, operating, and troubleshooting process systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operating environment.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to work rotating or nontraditional shifts (24/5 or 24/7 schedules; shift work required periodically).
- Valid driver’s license.
- Local candidates are preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to work safely in an industrial pilot-plant environment:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Climb stairs and ladders.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Travel between work areas across a large site (up to ~1,200 acres), which may include walking between nearby locations.
- Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance (approximately 15% or less of the role).
- Wear steel-toed safety footwear and other required personal protective equipment.
Additional Details
- Employment type: Contract (CONTRACTOR).
- Schedule: 24/5 or 24/7; schedules established by project assignment.
- Estimated salary (source data): $59,998 per year (estimated).
- This role is field-based at the client’s Fort Sam Houston, TX site.
- Careertakes will support the application process as a third-party recruiter; final offer and employment are with our client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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