Process Engineer - Commissioning & Startup
Houston, TX, US
Company Overview
Imagine Everything. Build the Future with Hexion.
At Hexion, we push boundaries, rethink possibilities, and create real impact. We activate science to deliver progress—developing breakthrough solutions that strengthen industries, protect communities, and drive a more sustainable future.
This is where bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators come together to shape what’s next. Whether you're engineering advanced materials, transforming manufacturing technologies, or leading strategic innovation, your ideas and actions leave a lasting mark. We cultivate an inclusive culture of growth, collaboration, and accountability, ensuring every contribution propels us forward.
We don’t follow the status quo—we challenge it, disrupt it, and improve it. Every role at Hexion is part of something bigger.
We invest in innovation, sustainability, and continuous development—equipping you with the tools, training, and opportunities to excel. With an unwavering commitment to safety, partnership, belonging, and impact, we empower you to lead change and strengthen industries worldwide.
Your Future Starts Here.
If you’re ready to push limits, reimagine what’s possible, and create the extraordinary, Hexion is where you belong.
Anything is possible when you imagine everything.
Summary
The Process Engineer – Commissioning & Startup will play a key role in the installation, optimization, and support of SMARTECH’s automated process systems for the engineered wood industry. This role combines hands-on field troubleshooting with process performance analysis, system documentation, and operator training. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the automation, mechanical, and project management teams to ensure smooth system startup, reliable operation, and continuous process improvement across customer sites. This position is highly customer-facing and requires a professional who can represent SMARTECH on-site with confidence and technical credibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in system commissioning and startup activities, ensuring that process equipment operates to design specifications and performance targets.
- Diagnose and resolve process and mechanical issues during installation and commissioning phases.
- Conduct performance evaluations of process parameters (flow, pressure, temperature, mixing, etc.) and propose improvements.
- Collaborate with automation engineers to optimize control logic and ensure process stability and repeatability.
- Document process configurations, operating procedures, and maintenance standards.
- Develop and improve preventive maintenance procedures for existing and new systems.
- Train customer operators and maintenance teams on system operation, troubleshooting, and safety practices.
- Support field teams and project managers with technical data, process analysis, and root cause investigation.
- Prepare detailed commissioning and troubleshooting reports, including recommended improvements.
- Contribute to design reviews and provide field feedback to R&D and Engineering for future product enhancements.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to process reliability, efficiency, and system quality.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred).
- 3+ years of experience in process commissioning, startup, or production engineering — ideally in the engineered wood, resin application, or continuous process industries.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting process equipment such as pumps, valves, mixers, heat exchangers, and flow systems.
- Knowledge of process instrumentation, sensors, and control loops.
- Familiarity with automation systems (PLC/HMI/SCADA) and industrial communication protocols is an advantage.
- Strong understanding of process safety standards and quality assurance procedures.
- Experience preparing documentation such as P&IDs, operating manuals, and maintenance guidelines.
- Willingness to travel up to 60% to customer sites for commissioning and training assignments.
Other
We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, pregnancy, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
To be considered for this position candidates are required to submit an application for employment through our career site and, be at least 18 years of age. Any offer of employment will be conditioned upon successful completion of a drug test and background investigation, as well as authorization for the Company to conduct additional periodic background checks as required by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) or regulations adopted by the department of Homeland Security or other regulatory agencies. A prior criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment, and the Company will conduct an individualized assessment and reassessment, consistent with applicable law, prior to making any final employment decision.
Nearest Major Market: Houston