Ash Grove Cement, a CRH company, provides Portland and masonry cements to help build the foundation and infrastructure for the world around us. We ship millions of tons of cement from our plants and network of terminals located across North America. When you work for Ash Grove, you are connecting to something bigger. We stand together to reinvent the way our world is built. Join our team and help Ash Grove build America.
At Ash Grove Cement, people are our first priority. We offer a complete benefits package and opportunities for your continued growth and development!
Position Overview
The Sr. Process Engineer has the authority and is fully accountable for the successful execution of the responsibilities listed in this position description in accordance with CRH Canada policies and procedures and as limited by the Plant Manager. The Senior Process Engineer provides technical support to the cement plant’s production, quality, and environmental functions. They apply strategies, prioritization, and optimization techniques to assist in attaining the plant and company objectives. They evaluate the operations, processes, and trends through audits, data analysis, field inspections and systematic continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, RCFA, SPC, etc). They provide technical support for the implementation of new equipment, systems and/or new procedures, including training of plant personnel as required. They serve as coach/mentor to members of the process team and other departments. The Senior Process Engineer participates in the improvement of the plant’s technical capabilities.
The Senior Process Engineer demonstrates a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to safety policies in all work environments and areas while making positive contributions to the plant safety activities and initiatives. The Senior Process Engineer’s objectives are to initiate process optimization in collaboration with Quality, Production and Maintenance to ensure maximum and efficient utilization of the plant’s equipment. This position has a requirement of elevating the practices and technical knowledge of all facets of the operation. The Senior Process Engineer is seen as a developmental position to provide a full spectrum exposure to cement plant operations.
Plant operations are 365 days, 24/7 and the role requires flexibility to ensure effective running of the plant. This may involve working nights, weekends and Bank holidays and being on call as required.
What you’ll be contributing:
- Promote and follow all plant safety guidelines.
- Optimise the Cement Plant Operations and Quality.
- Be the site "expert" in key process equipment, notably the kiln (precalciner) and related equipment (cooler, burner, emission abatement systems, major fans) and process related issues, for example capital projects.
- Define instructions and procedures concerning process key parameters and to inform and train operational staff and advise on plant operating techniques (in conjunction with the Production Department).
- Participate & lead process studies and audits which are deemed necessary or which are requested by the line management, with the possible assistance of experts from the technical centre.
- Liaise with the technical centres for process issues and take part in their development.
- Develop IT tools, in conjunction with the automation engineer, to facilitate process management.
- Challenge the operations, set-points and practices of the major cement plant process functions: raw mix preparation, kiln operation, and finish grinding. Monitor and interpret the daily quality results.
- Work with plant cross functional personnel, diagnose process incidents in the field and determine root causes. Optimize daily process by proposing modifications to the process parameters at all stages of the cement manufacturing process. Analyze process records and create daily reports using data/process management systems (ABB Knowledge Manager).
- In partnership with production department, develop and update the Standard Operating Procedures for Control Room Operators so that the plant is always running at optimum performance levels.
- Organize and complete audits of the raw mill, pyro-processing, and finish grinding in autonomy. Identify deviations in process operations and propose/validate corrective actions.
- Maintain a database and filing structure containing the "base line" capabilities of all current equipment and processes.
- To identify power reduction projects and continually improve & optimise the plant to reduce power, ultimately striving for the plant to achieve the lowest possible power consumption.
- Create and participate in development plans for alternate fuels substitution. Assess and manage the impacts of alternate fuels. Optimise fuel consumption and prioritise the increased use of Alternative Fuels & Alternative Raw Materials to deliver cost reductions and increased consumption of biomass material & circularity.
- Manage and develop team members; coach and support to develop individual's technical skills and develop their understanding of the wider business issues relevant to their job.
- Maintain positive relations with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Reliability personnel.
- Interface with vendors, contractors, and engineering firms whose functions are to provide project support with engineering and technical know-how associated with capital project installations. Work with equipment designers/manufacturers in the determination of equipment specifications for plant improvement and expansion projects.
- Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
Safety
- Lead safety in the Process team and demonstrate clear commitment to achieving zero harm on the Plant.
- Ensure that high safety standards are met, coaching and challenging others to work safely.
- Ensure compliance under legislation and Corporate requirements.
- Ensure all supervised employees follow set Health and Safety guidelines.
- Support the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
- Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, kiln outages safety programs, etc.
- Identify environmental constraints and impact on operating permits associated with modification of process, fuels, and/or raw material changes.
- Analyse plant technical information on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to advise production, quality, environment, systems and maintenance departments on improvement opportunities.
To succeed in this position, you will need:
- Ability to read, write and understand warning labels, instructions, signs, etc.
- University Degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- 5 to 10 years’ experience in a heavy manufacturing industry, preferably the cement industry.
- Knowledge/Skills Required:
- Occupational Health and Safety knowledge.
- Proficient computer skills, specifically with applications such as SAP, MS Office, TIS.
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment, with frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, and noise.
- Core Competencies:
- Thorough understanding of all aspects of cement plant operations.
- Communications – communicate with impact and create an environment in which people communicate honestly and openly. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Analysis and Problem-Solving – Effectively examine events, issues and problems and generate optimal solutions in a timely manner.
- Ability to assess projects and monitor costs.
- Fosters Teamwork and Cooperation – Foster a sense of collaboration and work effectively across the organization to achieve goals.
- Adapts and Learns – Work effectively in the face of ambiguity, shifting priorities and rapid change while actively developing one’s skills and capabilities.
- Drives Change and Innovation – Champion new ideas and initiatives and create an environment that supports change and innovation.
- Leads for Performance – Demonstrate and foster a sense of urgency and strong commitment to achieving goals.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to use standard cement process engineering industry measuring tools & instrumentation, e.g. temperature, pressure, flow.
- Ability and willingness to work in heavy industry environment, e.g. working-at heights, confined spaces.
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment, with frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust and noise.
What’s next for you?
We provide stability and advancement opportunities across North America. Use our tuition reimbursement program to help you meet your career goals.
The above duties and responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive. The physical demands, working environment, and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
What CRH Offers You
- Highly competitive base pay.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs.
- Group retirement savings program.
- Health and wellness programs.
- A diverse and inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion.
About CRH
CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.
If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!
Ash Grove Cement, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.