Senior Engineer Relief Valves & System Technical Authority

Senior Engineer, Relief Valves & System Technical Authority

Downstream Refining Operations | Full-Time | Lima, OH or Toledo, OH

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Engineer to serve as the Relief Valve & Relief Systems Technical Authority supporting downstream refining operations. In this specialist leadership role, you will provide authoritative pressure relief engineering expertise across multiple refinery sites in Ohio, leading the technical assurance program for relief devices and disposal systems. You will play a central role in risk management, regulatory compliance, and organizational capability building — guiding engineering teams, mentoring less experienced staff, and driving standardization across sites. A background in process design and frontend project development is a significant asset for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Se rve as the Relief Valve Technical Authority, delivering expert pressure relief engineering support and direction across all downstream refinery sites.
• Provide technical reviews, troubleshooting, and formal approval of relief device sizing and system calculations; set and implement technical engineering practices that drive risk management, operating efficiency, defect elimination, and standardization.
• Lead the development and ongoing maintenance of training and technical assurance programs for pressure relief sizing and downstream relief systems.
• Evaluate and approve API 520/521 and flare system design exceptions, managing the exception approval process consistently at each site.
• Participate in HAZOPs, flare risk assessments, and incident investigations as required to support safe and reliable operations.
• Standardize and guide the creation of technical documentation for pressure relief and flare disposal systems across the organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, inspection, and other subject matter experts to ensure consistent technical practices and integrated solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. helor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 8 or more years of experience in refining, upstream, or petrochemical environments, with a minimum of 3 years of focused design experience in relief systems. Expert or specialized knowledge of relief valve calculations and relief systems is required. Candidates with fewer total years of experience but a deeper concentration in relief systems and flares will also be considered.
• Strong working knowledge of pressure relief device sizing, selection, and disposal systems, including hands-on experience with relief system calculations.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools such as PetroSim, HYSYS, PRO/II, Aspen Flare Analyzer, or AFT Fathom.
• Solid understanding of core process engineering deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, heat and material balances, hydraulic calculations, and overpressure scenario development.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards, particularly API 520/521 and API RP 576, with a commitment to continuous deepening of technical expertise.
• Experience with front-end project development and equipment design is strongly preferred.
• Excellent technical communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams including operations, maintenance, and engineering.