What's Happening?
Valero Energy Corporation is actively recruiting a Controls Engineer to support its ethanol plant operations and capital projects. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of two years of engineering experience, with a preference
for candidates experienced in Honeywell Experion DCS, Rockwell PlantPAx DCS, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and ethanol production, chemical processing, or oil refining. The Controls Engineer will be responsible for developing technical deliverables for Valero Renewables process control systems, including control system specifications, P&IDs, Cause & Effect Diagrams, control narratives, alarm documentation, cybersecurity controls, and instrument specifications. This role also involves providing process control troubleshooting expertise, participating in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), HAZOP, and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) activities, and supporting the implementation of an enterprise-wide process data acquisition and analysis tool (OSIsoft PI). The position is salaried exempt, with relocation assistance available, and may be located at various Valero Renewables facilities.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment drive by Valero Energy highlights the company's ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of its ethanol production facilities. The demand for specialized Controls Engineers underscores the increasing complexity and technological sophistication of modern industrial processes, particularly in the energy sector. By investing in skilled personnel for process control, Valero aims to optimize its ethanol output, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and integrate advanced automation technologies. This is crucial for the U.S. renewable fuels industry, as efficient ethanol production contributes to energy independence and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. The role's emphasis on cybersecurity controls also reflects the growing importance of protecting critical infrastructure from digital threats, ensuring the continuous and secure operation of energy facilities.
What's Next?
Valero Energy will proceed with the recruitment and selection process to fill this critical engineering role. Successful candidates will be integrated into a team environment focused on the development, monitoring, and maintenance of the Valero Renewables process control network. The company's continued investment in specialized engineering talent suggests a strategic focus on operational excellence and technological advancement within its renewable fuels segment. This could lead to further improvements in ethanol production efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced safety protocols across its facilities. The successful integration of new engineering talent will be vital for Valero to achieve its goals of advancing the future of energy through innovation and execution, particularly as the renewable fuels market continues to evolve and expand.
Beyond the Headlines
The search for a Controls Engineer by Valero Energy reflects a broader trend in the U.S. energy sector: the increasing convergence of traditional industrial operations with advanced digital technologies. The need for expertise in systems like Honeywell Experion DCS, Rockwell PlantPAx DCS, and Allen-Bradley PLCs, alongside cybersecurity and data analysis tools, indicates a shift towards highly automated and data-driven industrial environments. This evolution not only enhances operational efficiency but also creates new demands for a specialized workforce capable of managing complex integrated systems. The emphasis on safety protocols like PHA, HAZOP, and LOPA underscores the industry's commitment to minimizing risks in high-hazard environments. This trend suggests a future where energy production, whether traditional or renewable, will rely heavily on sophisticated control systems and a highly skilled engineering workforce to ensure both productivity and safety.
