Renewables Diesel Unit Process Area Specialist

Job Description

As the RDU Subject Matter Expert, you will lead and coordinate technical and operational readiness for the Renewable Diesel Unit (RDU). You will work cross‑functionally with engineering, operations, maintenance, safety, and procurement to ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant start‑up and operating unit.

• Review basis of design, interlocks, and P&IDs to get familiar with plant
• Review isolation plans for equipment to ensure necessary equipment is installed
• Develop normal operating, normal shut down, emergency shut down and start‑up procedures, including hydrocarbon purging, pressure‑up sequences, and initial commissioning.
• Write or refine SOPs, checklists, and forms in collaboration with PSM and operations teams.
• Manage and support Management of Change (MOC) and Pre‑Start‑Up Safety Review (PSSR) processes.
• Assist in policy creation to manage unique hazards associated with the RDU, aligning with PSM, API, NFPA, and OSHA standards.
• Organize and lead operator and craft training before and after start‑up.
• Review design changes requested by supervisor.
• Review SOPs, checklists, and forms for area.
• Help to develop startup procedures.
• Review and assist with policy creation to consider dangers/hazards of the RDU.
• Help develop action item list/tracker for what is needed prior to start‑up and ongoing operations.
• Review maintenance plans for area equipment.
• Assist in developing list of items needed for operations (tools, review spares suggestions, etc.).

• Minimum of 3–5 years in refinery, chemical processing, or energy sector lead roles.
• Minimum 2 years directly involved in commissioning or start‑up support activities.
• Experience in process industry including but not limited to: renewable or bio‑diesel production, steam reformation, oil and gas industry, hydro treating, and/or a PSM regulated facility.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometrics, instrumentation interlocks, and field devices.
• Experience developing start‑up procedures, SOPs, and checklists.
• Familiarity with process safety inputs including PHA, HAZOP, MOC, and PSSR frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to relocate to Nebraska and work on site in Hastings, NE.
• Comfortable working in an industrial work environment that may include loud areas, work at heights, entry into confined spaces, and other potential chemical/atmospheric hazards that require use of appropriate PPE.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

• Experience with refinery or renewable diesel units (RDUs) or similar pre‑treatment systems.
• Familiarity with Maintenance Management Systems (e.g. Maximo, SAP) or Engineering Management Systems (e.g. Enablon, PRiSM).
• Certification or advanced training in Process Safety Management, Lean/Six Sigma, or energy management standards.

Heartwell Renewables is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply. If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for process design, we encourage you to submit your application for consideration. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for career growth and development.

This position is located in Hastings, NE. The role is open for qualified applicants.