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, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

Confidential Client is seeking a Process Engineer (Mechanical Emphasis) to support a petroleum pilot plant in San Antonio, TX. This hands-on, entry-level engineering role combines data analysis, lab-scale experimentation, and direct participation in pilot plant operations. The role is onsite and ideal for engineers who want to take projects from design through live operation.

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What You’ll Do

• Compile, process, and analyze data from pilot plant runs and produce clear, actionable reports.
• Work with plant operators to generate and optimize product blends based on test results.
• Use MS Office (Excel, Word) to document findings, track data, and create technical reports.
• Create and update process-related drawings using AutoCAD, AutoPlant, and SolidWorks as needed.
• Plan, set up, and execute laboratory-scale chemical and petroleum experiments.
• Build, assemble, and prepare test equipment and pilot-scale systems per P&ID and BOM documentation.
• Participate in pilot plant operations including start-up, normal operation, and shutdown.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with installation and modification of equipment to support projects and plant needs.
• Support maintenance and turnaround activities to help ensure equipment reliability.
• Contribute to developing and implementing safety procedures and operating instructions.
• Prepare and document samples for analysis; perform cleanup and laboratory housekeeping.
• Regularly work with pumps, heat-trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and chemicals.
• Provide leadership and direction to operators on shift when required.
• Apply thermodynamics and heat-transfer principles to perform calculations and support design/troubleshooting.
• Support process simulation and equipment sizing tasks to optimize pilot plant performance.

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Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Petroleum, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform hands-on work in a plant/refinery environment.
• Ability to multi-task between calculations and hands-on equipment work.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, AutoPlant, and SolidWorks for process and equipment documentation.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and process simulation basics.
• Experience or coursework related to chemical manufacturing or petroleum processes.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Troubleshooting skills for pumps, heat-traced systems, and related equipment.
• Flexibility to work shift schedules as required by pilot plant operations.

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Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• Prior experience in a pilot plant, refinery, or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable working with high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate operators and to work across cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail in data compilation, reporting, and documentation.
• Interest in seeing engineering design progress from concept to operation.

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Work Environment

This role blends desk-based engineering work (reports, CAD, simulation) with hands-on tasks in an industrial pilot plant setting. The position is fully onsite in San Antonio and involves direct interaction with plant equipment and chemical processes. Safety procedures and operating instructions must be followed.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range: $34.00 – $39.00 per hour (contract).
• Actual pay within this range will be based on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors.
• If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident, hospital plans; 401(k) options; voluntary life and AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and paid time off policies per contract terms.

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Job Type & Location

• Employment type: Contract (with potential for full-time assignment depending on client need).
• Workplace: Fully onsite.
• Location: San Antonio, TX (authoritative).

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Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

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About Confidential Client

Confidential Client is a leader in engineering services and technical solutions focused on delivering practical, hands-on projects in industrial settings. This role provides an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to gain comprehensive plant experience and see designs implemented in the field.

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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.