COMPANY OVERVIEW
Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers, and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise.
POSITION OVERVIEW
As a key member of the Chocolate Bayou Reliability organization, the Principal Fixed Equipment Reliability Engineer serves as the site technical authority for fixed equipment reliability, mechanical integrity, risk-based inspection, corrosion management, and asset lifecycle strategy. This role is responsible for developing and driving long-term reliability strategies for pressure vessels, piping systems, heat exchangers, tanks, relief devices, and associated fixed equipment assets.
The ideal candidate is a recognized technical leader who demonstrates high standards and expectations for excellence, with a proven history of applying Fixed Equipment Reliability, Mechanical Integrity, Risk-Based Inspection (RBI), and asset integrity best practices to improve plant reliability and reduce business risk. This individual will provide strategic leadership for the site's fixed equipment reliability program, establish long-term asset management strategies, and influence cross-functional teams to drive sustainable reliability improvements.
There is a significant opportunity to further strengthen the site's Mechanical Integrity and Fixed Equipment Reliability programs through enhanced RBI methodologies, corrosion management practices, lifecycle asset planning, and reliability-centered decision making. This role will be responsible for setting the technical direction, establishing standards, and partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, Turnaround, and Engineering teams to ensure critical fixed equipment assets are managed safely, reliably, and cost effectively.
The Chocolate Bayou Reliability Department is seeking a highly motivated and experienced candidate for the Principal Fixed Equipment Reliability Engineer position. Reporting to the Sr. Reliability Manager, this position offers the opportunity to serve as the site's technical authority for fixed equipment reliability and Mechanical Integrity while leading initiatives that improve asset performance, reduce operational risk, and support the site's long-term business objectives.
TARGETED OUTCOMES
· Ownership of long-term Fixed Equipment Reliability and Mechanical Integrity strategy
· Develop and maintain asset lifecycle management plans for critical fixed equipment
· Drive continuous improvement of Mechanical Integrity, RBI, and corrosion management programs
· Improve equipment availability and reduce fixed equipment-related reliability events
· Support turnaround planning through risk-based prioritization of inspection and repair activities
· Provide technical leadership for equipment life extension, replacement planning, and capital investment decisions
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Expertise
· Serve as the site subject matter expert for fixed equipment reliability and Mechanical Integrity
· Lead RBI assessments and strategy optimization efforts
· Conduct and review fitness-for-service evaluations, equipment rerates, remaining life assessments, and damage mechanism reviews
Expectations
· Own and support long-term Mechanical Integrity and Fixed Equipment Reliability improvement plans
· Lead complex RCFA investigations involving fixed equipment failures
· Support capital projects through design review and startup consultation
Leadership
· Serve as the site technical authority for Fixed Equipment Reliability and Mechanical Integrity
· Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers and inspectors
TEAM
o No direct reports
o Works closely with Mechanical Integrity Specialists, Inspectors, Operations, Maintenance, and Project Engineers.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
· Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
· Minimum fifteen (15) years of engineering experience supporting Fixed Equipment Reliability, Mechanical Integrity, Inspection, Corrosion, or Asset Integrity programs
· Minimum four (4) years in the chemical, petrochemical, refining, LNG, or similar continuous process manufacturing industry, with demonstrated experience supporting Mechanical Integrity and Fixed Equipment Reliability programs
· Demonstrated experience leading site-wide Mechanical Integrity and Fixed Equipment Reliability initiatives
REQUIRED SKILLS
· Expert knowledge of API 510, API 570, API 571, API 579, API 580, API 653, and ASME B31.3
· Strong understanding of Risk-Based Inspection methodologies
· Experience performing RCFA investigations
· SAP experience desired
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· API Certifications (510, 570, 580, or 653) preferred
· Experience leading large-scale Mechanical Integrity or RBI programs at a chemical or petrochemical manufacturing facility
· Experience supporting multiple manufacturing units across a large integrated site
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.
About Us:
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.
Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.
Why work at Ascend?
Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.
Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.
Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.