Lindon Hightower

Bridge City,TX

Summary

Seasoned Chemical Process Operator with background in chemical manufacturing and process control. Possess strong skills in troubleshooting, quality control, and safety protocol adherence. Proven ability to optimize efficiency and productivity through detailed procedural analysis and implementation. Notable contributions include successful operation of complex machinery, training team members, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Seeking a challenging role where technical expertise and leadership skills can contribute to organizational success.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Chemical Process Operator

Chevron Phillips Chemical

Port Arthur, Texas

05.2023 - Current

Served as a qualified Outside Operator in the Ethylene Unit, specializing in Distillation and Compressor sections.
Monitored and maintained process equipment, managing inventories of process chemical supplies.
Ensured accurate and timely data collection, documentation, data entry, and detailed reporting.
Isolated and locked out malfunctioning equipment, safely removing hazardous materials for maintenance.
Collected samples for laboratory testing to verify compliance and operating standards.
Trained as an Emergency Responder to address unit emergencies effectively.
Maintained housekeeping standards to ensure a safe and clean workspace.
Operated and regenerated various process dryers and reactors.
Operated electrical and turbine-driven pumps, and cracked gas, ethylene, and propylene refrigeration compressors.
Demonstrated expertise in the operation and maintenance of fractionators and distillation columns.
Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
Successfully participated in a major turnaround in 2025, contributing to the planning, coordination, and execution of maintenance tasks across multiple units. Conducted thorough inspections and testing of equipment post-maintenance to ensure functionality and reliability before startup. Engaged in daily team briefings to evaluate progress and address any challenges, fostering a cohesive work environment. Ensured strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures during all phases of the turnaround, resulting in zero safety incidents. Led a team of operators during the turnaround, delegating tasks and facilitating communication among engineers and maintenance personnel to streamline operations.
Played a key role in executing an unscheduled shutdown in 2024, focusing on safe and efficient maintenance operations. Coordinated with team members and management to develop comprehensive shutdown plans, ensuring all procedures were followed effectively. Assisted in isolating and locking out equipment to maintain safety and prevent accidents during the shutdown process. Conducted detailed inspections of critical equipment before and after maintenance, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Documented all activities and outcomes related to the shutdown, contributing to both immediate and long-term operational improvements.

Process Operator

TotalEnergies Refinery

Port Arthur, Texas

06.2019 - 05.2023

Operated within multiple units, including the FCCU Complex (LPG Unit), COGEN Unit (Water Treatment & Boiler/Cogen), and DCU (Coker Structure), contributing to diverse operational functions.
Conducted safety, health, and environmental compliance surveys, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.
Monitored and maintained process equipment, as well as managed inventories of process chemical supplies to optimize operational efficiency.
Ensured accurate and timely data collection, documentation, and reporting to support operational integrity and compliance.
Executed Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures effectively and safely, safeguarding personnel and equipment during maintenance activities.
Interpreted flow meter readings and monitored temperature and pressure gauges to maintain optimal process conditions.
Collected samples for laboratory analysis to verify compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
Trained as a First Line Responder, effectively addressing unit upsets and emergencies to ensure safety and mitigate risks.
Completed training in Hot Work Permit writing to facilitate safe operational procedures in potentially hazardous conditions.
Operated control board for the water treatment unit, managing process parameters and reacting to system alerts in real-time.
Actively participated in turnarounds for both the COGEN and DCU units, contributing to the successful startup of a new water treatment unit at COGEN.
Performed maintenance on a variety of equipment, ensuring operational reliability and compliance with maintenance standards.

Drafting Technician

Richard Design Services Inc.

Beaumont, Texas

04.2015 - 06.2019

Directed day-to-day technical functions within an engineering design company, focusing on electrical drawings and modeling.
Collaborated with internal and external teams to create industrial electrical design packages and advise on design strategies.
Created panel drawings for electrical equipment, one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and plot plans.
Maintained technical documents to track equipment installation progress and test equipment.

Education

Associate of Science - Process Technology

Lamar Institute of Technology

Beaumont, TX

Skills

Chemical Process Operations
Distillation & Compression
Process Equipment Monitoring & Maintenance
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
Safety Protocols & Compliance
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Emergency Response

Data Collection & Reporting
Instrumentation & Control
Teamwork & Communication
Schematics & Diagrams
Material Management
Construction Support