Process Controls Specialist

Your Job

Koch Fertilizer in Wever, IA is looking for a Process Controls Specialist to join the team! We want you to be part of a high‑performing team at the forefront of process automation and optimization. We seek a driven person to lead and support process control initiatives as defined in our key strategies roadmap, ensuring our facility remains best‑in‑class in technology and reliability.

As a Process Control Specialist, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our process control systems. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will develop foundational skills in distributed control systems (DCS) and instrumentation as you contribute to plant operations and projects that deliver the key BETS as defined in our BFPI.

• Participate in the design and implementation of sequences to automate plant startup, shutdown and upset events across the site.
• Lead the metrics driven automation program to rationalize alarms and operator touches through process controls improvements.
• Manage the Operator Training Simulator for automation validation needs.
• Design and implement an innovative awareness focused DCS graphic environment to rationalize the number of graphics screens.
• Lead the site control loops tuning program.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards (including PSM and Functional Safety protocols).
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, and project teams on technical investigations, improvement opportunities and capital projects implementation.
• Provide support for process control hardware/software DCS, including troubleshooting and upgrades.
• Conduct root cause analysis of process control problems and implement corrective actions.

• 2+ years of experience with DCS platforms (e.g. Yokogawa, Rockwell, Siemens) within chemical, refining, fertilizer, or related manufacturing industries
• Basic understanding of process control concepts (PID control, interlocks, instrumentation fundamentals).
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory control schemes, DCS configuration, and loop tuning.
• Experience with safety instrumented systems and functional safety.

• Exposure to DCS/PLC systems (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, or similar).
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems, ISA standards, or process safety management (PSM).

This role is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

As a Koch Ag & Energy Solutions company, Koch Fertilizer delivers a full line of fertilizers designed to boost crop performance and help growers reach their yields. Our team also brings logistical expertise and a wide range of invaluable services, from delivered freight and logistics capabilities to online shipment tracking.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational…