Principal Engineer

Expectations

PFR Engineering Systems is a world leader in fired heater and steam reformer simulation software, and we have been developing software and supporting our users for over 45 years. Today, we develop, sell, and support two mature software products – FRNC-5PC and REFORM-3PC – each of which have an established customer base that spans the globe. Despite its acquisition by multinational corporation Axens, PFR’s business operations continue to function as an independent organization with a small, collaborative team.

We are looking for a seasoned engineer with petrochemical industry experience who enjoys:

• working with a high degree of autonomy and flexibility
• sharing their unique knowledge and skills with others
• having a variety of job duties which will often be technical in nature
• proactively solving problems, whether big or small, technical or otherwise
• working in an environment where everyone’s ideas are heard and valued
• seeing the impact of your work
• learning new things
• fostering meaningful relationships with customers and coworkers

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working closely with customers on technical support issues; this includes helping customers more effectively use our software as well as assisting with issues like license configuration
• Leading software training courses for our customers; identifying and implementing enhancements to the training courses as needed
• Designing, programming, and testing/debugging software enhancements (Note: While previous programming experience would be helpful, it is not required for this position)
• Building and maintaining long-term working relationships with various PFR stakeholders; in addition to delivering technical support and training, this could also include interfacing with our Axens colleagues and networking at engagements like industry conferences
• Supporting other business functions – such as Sales – when needed

Note: As a member of our small PFR team, you must be prepared – and perhaps even excited – for your job responsibilities to evolve as business needs change.

Technical & Behavioral Requirements

Technical

• B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• 10 - 15 years of working experience as a process, chemical, or mechanical engineer in petrochemical and/or refinery engineering functions
• Must possess knowledge of heat transfer equipment, particularly fired heaters, furnaces, or boilers, and their applicable software
• Proficiency in Windows-based applications (e.g. Excel, Word, and Outlook) required
• FRNC-5PC and REFORM-3PC software experience preferred
• Experience designing, programming, and testing/debugging software products (ideally in Fortran and/or C++ computer languages) preferred
• Willingness to give software demos and short presentations to support the Sales team preferred
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM applications preferred
• Familiarity with Fired Heater Engineering standards (e.g. API 560 and 530) preferred
• Familiarity with SimSci Pro/II and Excel Visual Basic preferred

Behavioral

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, required
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to proactively solve emergent problems thoughtfully and follow a project – whether big or small – from beginning to end
• Must treat clients and coworkers with respect
• Must work well in a small team; must possess an attitude of responsibility, open-mindedness, and positivity
• Must be willing and able to travel worldwide

QHSE Requirements

Health and Safety

• Take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others
• Report any and all health and safety incidents to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies and objectives regarding health and safety
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018
• Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Health and Safety goals and objectives

Environmental

• Take responsibility for the sustainability of Axens and protecting the environment
• Report any and all environmental concerns or incidents to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies regarding environmental protection
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 14001:2015
• Assist in achieving Site, Departmental, Regional and Global Environmental Management Program goals and objectives

Quality :

• Take responsibility for the sustainability of Axens and ensuring quality performance
• Report any and all quality related issues or non-conformities to your manager
• Maintain awareness, proactively participate and support all Axens policies for quality management
• Assist in the continual improvement of an effective Integrated Management System complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015
• Assist in achieving Site, Department, Regional and Global Quality Management Program goals and objectives