Optimization Specialist

Line of Business: Service & Support

About Us: Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 9,000 employees.

What you will be doing:

Provide 24/7 Remote Monitoring, Operation, and Control of Plant Processes
Provide continuous remote monitoring, operation, and control of cement and grinding plants across the United States and Canada from Heidelberg Materials’ centralized HROC operations center in Irving, TX Actively optimize cement manufacturing processes and assigned plant equipment using advanced control systems, automation platforms, and real-time data interfaces. Analyze process conditions, instrumentation data, alarms, and system trends to ensure stable, safe, and efficient operation within defined operating limits, while taking timely control actions as required.

Make Critical Operational Decisions in a Highly Automated Environment
In coordination with the plant, exercise sound operational judgment and decision-making authority in response to process deviations, alarms, and abnormal conditions, executing corrective actions in line with established procedures, escalation protocols, and safety requirements. Operate within a highly automated, data-driven environment leveraging advanced process control, predictive analytics, and AI-enabled tools to drive performance outcomes while maintaining full accountability for actions taken.

Troubleshoot and Resolve Process, Equipment, and Control System Issues
Identify, diagnose, and resolve process inefficiencies, equipment malfunctions, and control system issues in real time. Collaborate closely with plant operations, process engineering, systems engineering, reliability teams, and other HROC resources to stabilize operations, minimize downtime, protect production, and sustain safe and reliable plant performance.

Collaborate Across the HROC Network to Optimize System Performance
Share best practices, transfer operational learnings, and optimize overall system performance. Work across HROC and plant teams to identify common challenges, replicate proven solutions, and support consistent performance improvement.

Champion Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Operational Consistency
Champion SOPs to ensure consistency, reliability, safety, and efficiency in remote operations. Support the development, application, and continuous improvement of standardized procedures, escalation protocols, operating playbooks, and best-practice routines.

Drive Continuous Optimization and Automation Strategies
Support and actively contribute to the deployment and refinement of advanced automation strategies, improve process stability, throughput, energy efficiency, reliability, and cost performance. Identify and implement improvement opportunities through data analysis, operational insights, and cross-plant knowledge sharing.

Leverage Data to Improve Performance and Standardization
Use data to identify trends, inefficiencies, recurring issues, and improvement opportunities. Drive standardization and replication of best practices by sharing insights, learnings, and performance improvement actions across the HROC network.

Ensure Safe, Stable, and Compliant Operations
Ensure the safe, continuous, and compliant operation of plant processes, maintaining adherence to safety procedures, operating standards, environmental requirements, and quality targets.

What Are We Looking For:

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering degree, preferably Chemical, Industrial or Manufacturing.  Technical certifications or vocational training in process operations or a related field may substitute for a degree.

• Previous experience in a similar industrial environment is desirable, but not required due to the comprehensive training program. This position offers a unique opportunity for a 6-to-8-month training period that includes comprehensive training in the cement manufacturing process/equipment and key responsibilities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

• Excellent communication and the ability to collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production personnel.

• Ability to work rotating 12-hour day/night shifts, weekends, and holidays to sustain uninterrupted plant operations.

• Ability to travel in both the United States and Canada as required.

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary ranging from $75,410 to $100,550, and participation in our annual incentive plan.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with an automatic company contribution as well as matching contributions.

• Highly competitive benefits programs, including:  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision along with Prescription Drug Benefits  

• Health Saving Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement - Account (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  

• AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage as well as Basic Life Insurance 

​Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority / Female / Veteran / Disabled