6 Year Experienced Process Engineering jobs in Houston? My back is against the wall. (co-op, job market)

[Nadeemayaan]

Hi everyone. I write this post to you because my back is against the wall in life.

Infect I am migrated from Pakistan to USA last year. I have Master Degree in Chemical Engineering (from University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan). I am Qualified Chemical Engineer having Experience of Six (6) Years in Process Engineering, Conceptual Designing, Process Modeling, Designing & Rating of Process Equipments based on Crude Oil and Natural Gas Processing Plants. For the past three months, I have been unsuccessful in getting job as a Process Engineer. I have applied through many job boards such as monster, CareerBuilder, indeed, ZipRecruiter and simply hired and no luck so far. I only applied to jobs in which I believed I was qualified with following requirements.

• Developed Process Flow Diagram, Utility Flow Diagram, Piping & Instrumentation Diagram and Utility Distribution Diagram.
• Performed simulation of Crude Oil Stabilization System, Glycol Dehydration System, Amine Sweetening System and Sour Water Stripping System.
• Performed sizing and rating of lines, pumps, compressors and control valves for single and mixed phases. Control Valve and Flow Element data sheets preparation.
• Pressure Vessels Design (Horizontal/Vertical Two Phase Separators, Instrument Air Receiver, Reflux/Surge Drums, LPG Bullets and Flare K.O. Drums)
• Scenario building & Relief load calculations, PSV sizing & Flare Header Sizing
• De-pressuring calculations
• Storage Tanks, Pressure & Vacuum Relief Valves and Emergency Vent sizing
• Preparation of Line Index, Instrument Index, Equipment List & Alarm & Set point list
• Cause & Effect Matrix
• Rating of Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers
• Participation in Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) Study.
• Proposal Engineering Work: ITB Documents, Manpower Deployment Plan, Inter-Discipline coordination.
• Coordinate with Vendors on Technical Issues in Procurement of Various Process Equipments and Instruments

So I don't necessarily have USA experience, and that's why I believe companies aren't responding but I have one year experience in UAE. I also applied on online websites of big engineering companies (KBR, Bechtel, CH2M.HILL etc.) but fail to have any Luck.

I want to know if there is anything else I can do to improve my chances of getting an interview. I'm just stuck right now, and don't know what else to do.

[movetohouton]

Have you considered a degree in USA ! Nothing like it !

[Meyerland]

Are you on linked in? Do you have any contacts who work for international companies? Maybe someone you went to school with?

[Schumacher713]

Originally Posted by movetohouton

Have you considered a degree in USA ! Nothing like it !

You don't need a degree from the US for engineering.

I don't have any real advice for getting jobs. You just have to apply, interview, and cross your fingers.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

You don't need a degree from the US for engineering.

I don't have any real advice for getting jobs. You just have to apply, interview, and cross your fingers.

From what I see, a masters degree in anything will open a lot of doors for him

[TexasTony]

I believe you need to start off with a junior position as a co-op or an intern just to get your foot inside these corporations. It might not pay well but will add to your US experience. You can also start some part time school and see how it goes. With the way things are in Houston, you might need some assistance from Head hunters or recruiters who specialize in your field. They might be able to work on your resume and target you to the right clients. Also, see if you can get any certifications which might overcome lack of US degree or experience. Good luck !!

[johnsmith]

I think he need a NBA.

[TXbywayof]

Schneider Electric/Gutor seems to hire a lot of engineers from other countries.

[Tcoma11]

Honestly, degrees and experience doesn't really mean much these days with the job market the way it is.... it really is all about timing, luck, and who you know.

[houstonsuburbs]

Get yourself an account on Linkedin and start networking. I agree with the suggestion of getting some sort of certification in the US . That will give you an insight into US colleges, you can network , gain contacts..