Process Optimization & Controls Engineer

Company Description

Columbia River Nitrogen is a leading producer of high-quality nitrogen-based fertilizers and chemical products. Conveniently located in Deer Island, Oregon, the company benefits from direct river access, enabling efficient distribution across the Pacific Northwest. Columbia River Nitrogen is committed to providing reliable and performance-driven solutions to meet the needs of agricultural and industrial clients. The organization focuses on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to support its customers.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role located in St Helens, OR, for a Process Optimization & Controls Engineer. The Process Optimization & Controls Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing and production performance through advanced process control, automation, and data‑driven optimization. This role combines control systems engineering with continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency across operations.

This role focuses on alarm management, controller performance, and control loop optimization to improve process stability and reduce operator workload. The position works closely with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and Reliability and contributes to operating discipline, process safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong grounding in HSE, PSM principles, and alarm management practices
• Hands‑on experience with PLC/DCS platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Honeywell, Yokogawa, etc.).
• Strong understanding of PID control, control loop tuning, and process dynamics.
• Experience interpreting P&IDs, control schematics, and electrical diagrams.
• Knowledge of safety systems (SIS, SIL).
• Ability to analyze DCS and historian data to drive data-based improvements
• Working knowledge of ammonia manufacturing and continuous chemical processes
• Strong collaboration skills across operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to company values
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Technical Competencies

Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, controls engineering or equivalent

Experience / Qualifications: Minimum of 3-5 years of process engineering experience at an Ammonia Manufacturing Plant or Chemical Plant

Industry Experience: Ammonia Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemical

Regulatory Knowledge: OSHA, PSM, NFPA, EPA, IEC, IEEE, NEC, API

Why Columbia River Nitrogen

• We’re a nimble, forward-thinking organization that values agility over bureaucracy. Our teams are empowered to move quickly, challenge the status quo, and continuously improve how we work. If you thrive in an environment where your ideas can shape real outcomes, you’ll feel right at home here.
• 12 company paid holidays
• 3 weeks' vacation and 40 hours of sick time
• 9-80 schedule
• 8 weeks paid parental bonding leave
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit plan
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development