AVEVA is creating software trusted by over 90% of leading industrial companies.

Salary Range:

$124,200.00 - $207,000.00

This pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation that the position offers, and final compensation can vary within the range depending on work location, job experience, skills, and relevant educational attainment and/or training. 

Job Title: Principal Consultant

Location: Houston

Employment Type: full-time

The job

Seeking a highly motivated Process Simulation and Optimization Engineer to execute and deliver advanced modeling and optimization solutions for refining, petrochemical, and upstream operations. The role involves developing and deploying open-equation process models, applying optimization technologies (APO/APS), and supporting both project execution . The ideal candidate combines strong chemical engineering fundamentals, hands-on modeling expertise, and the ability to translate process insights into measurable operational and economic benefits.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the execution of process simulation and optimization projects, ensuring technical excellence while meeting customer requirements, budgets, and project timelines.

• Review process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and plant data; develop, configure, and validate open-equation process models; automate model workflows and support commissioning of online applications.

• Build and maintain deep expertise in optimization technologies (APO/APS), applying them effectively and innovatively to solve complex operational challenges.

• Apply strong domain knowledge in refining, petrochemical, and upstream production processes, including a clear understanding of key operating variables and economic drivers.

• Plan, execute, and review Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities for APO/APS solutions to ensure compliance with design specifications and functional requirements.

• Diagnose and resolve issues related to model configuration, process design, and plant operations, implementing corrective actions to achieve performance and optimization targets.

• Support the solution sales process by providing technical expertise, including delivering client presentations, preparing proposals, and contributing to scope definition, benefits analysis, cost estimation, and project scheduling.

• Onsite travel to the customer sites for commissioning activities and support as needed.

Desired skills

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Refinery Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with at least 3 years of relevant experience; candidates with higher degrees are strongly preferred.

• Hands-on experience with process simulation and optimization tools, with familiarity or working knowledge of APO/ROMeo or similar platforms highly desirable.

• Minimum 5+ years of experience developing, testing, or implementing process optimization and simulation applications in online environment.

• Strong foundation in core chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, mass and energy balances, and transport phenomena.

• Working knowledge of project execution methodologies, including planning, scheduling, and delivery within defined scope, cost, and timelines.

• Proficiency in computer programming and scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, TCL or similar) to support model development and automation.

• Experience with open-equation modeling frameworks and their application in industrial process optimization.

• Understanding of Model Predictive Control (MPC) concepts and exposure to MPC solutions from multiple vendors.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in refining, oil & gas, and petrochemical process environments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Services at AVEVA

Our dynamic global team of 700+ engineers, developers, consultants, solution architects and project managers are at the forefront of delivering AVEVA cutting-edge solutions to customers. The work is complex and technical, but immensely rewarding: we empower customers to harness the full transformative potential of AVEVA’s solutions. If you’re analytical, pragmatic, and driven to make a tangible impact on the sustainability of the industrial sector, our team is the perfect place for you.

Find out more: https://www.aveva.com/en/about/careers/

USA Benefits include:

Flex work hours, 20 days PTO rising to 25 with service, three paid volunteering days, primary and secondary parental leave, well-being support, medical, dental, vision, and 401K.

It’s possible we’re hiring for this position in multiple countries, in which case the above benefits apply to the primary location. Specific benefits vary by country, but our packages are similarly comprehensive.

Find out more: aveva.com/en/about/careers/benefits/

Hybrid working

We work in a hybrid way at AVEVA. Most roles are based at a local AVEVA office, with an expectation of being on-site 50% of your working hours to support collaboration and connection. Some positions are fully office-based depending on the nature of the work, and certain roles that support specific customers or markets may be remote. The working arrangement for this position will be confirmed during the hiring process.

Hiring process

Interested? Great! Get started by submitting your cover letter and CV through our application portal. AVEVA is committed to recruiting and retaining people with disabilities. Please let us know in advance if you need reasonable support during your application process.

Find out more: aveva.com/en/about/careers/hiring-process

About AVEVA

AVEVA is a global leader in industrial software with more than 6,500 employees in over 40 countries. Our cutting-edge solutions are used by thousands of enterprises to deliver the essentials of life – such as energy, infrastructure, chemicals, and minerals – safely, efficiently, and more sustainably.

We are committed to embedding sustainability and inclusion into our operations, our culture, and our core business strategy. Learn more about how we are progressing against our ambitious 2030 targets: sustainability-report.aveva.com/

Find out more: aveva.com/en/about/careers/

AVEVA requires all successful applicants to undergo and pass a drug screening and comprehensive background check before they start employment. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with local laws and may, subject to those laws, include proof of educational attainment, employment history verification, proof of work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, credit check.  Certain positions dealing with sensitive and/or third-party personal data may involve additional background check criteria.

AVEVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being an exemplary employer with an inclusive culture, developing a workplace environment where all our employees are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and the expertise that people from different backgrounds bring to our business.  AVEVA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your recruiter. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.