Senior Mechanical Planner
Methanex · Nederland, Texas · Posted Jul 6, 2026
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Position Summary
The Senior Mechanical Planner is responsible for the execution of all mechanical and rotating turnaround and capital work order processes. This role ensures efficient and effective planning of resources to support safe execution, minimal downtime, and maximum productivity across turnaround, capital, and routine maintenance activities. The Planner develops detailed job plans, defines parts and materials, determines required crafts and skills, and coordinates resources to deliver safe and effective work execution.
Position Responsibilities
Scope Identification & Validation
Research work order history to ensure appropriate preventive maintenance work orders are included in scope.
Screen incoming work orders to identify scope and required level of planning.
Conduct field walkdowns to validate job scope and requirements.
Validate scopes with Operations, Maintenance, and other disciplines to support front-end loading.
Identify safety hazards, permitting and isolation requirements, and long-lead materials early.
Ensure appropriate risk assessments are completed for medium- to high-risk scopes.
Planning & Work Package Development
Develop detailed work packages for mechanical and rotating equipment including:
Job scope, step-by-step sequence, labor and material requirements
Skill requirements, tools, equipment, and external resources
Cost estimates and execution strategy
Include supporting documentation such as spec sheets, vendor manuals, P&IDs, photos, and isolation plans.
Ensure all jobs are field-walked and materials are verified onsite prior to package release.
Develop procedures using OEM manuals, drawings, and specifications.
Provide first-level troubleshooting to support development of job packages.
Estimate labor hours, total duration, and required skills for each job.
Create and maintain task lists for recurring work.
Materials, Procurement & Rotating Equipment Management
Identify, specify, and arrange parts, materials, specialty tools, and external services.
Create purchase requisitions (carts) and track material status through delivery.
Track ordered materials and notify appropriate stakeholders when jobs are ready for release.
Assist procurement in sourcing materials and expediting deliverables.
Manage rotating equipment kits, including:
Verifying inventory and condition
Sending kits for refurbishment after use
Ensure material availability aligns with schedule requirements.
Planning Integration, Scheduling & Cost Control
Maintain planning progress aligned with turnaround milestones and stage gates.
Support scheduling activities and ensure alignment with labor, cost, and resource planning.
Ensure material cost estimates are properly reflected in the schedule (including bulks and tracked items).
Support cost tracking, reporting, and variance analysis.
Perform material cost overrun investigations and assist with resolution of billing issues.
Turnaround Execution & Field Support
Coordinate execution support during turnarounds and critical jobs in alignment with company policies and safety culture.
Provide field support during execution, including:
Coordinating rotating, mechanical, or critical work scopes
Interfacing with contractors, operations, and inspection teams
Assist in high-priority work by expediting materials and coordinating resources.
Work Management, Closeout & Continuous Improvement
Track job progress and schedules and ensure timely work order closure.
Complete required MOC and Mesh (or system) action items.
Capture field feedback and continuously improve work packages and task lists.
Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Engineering to:
Maintain spare parts inventory
Build and update Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Improve job plans based on execution feedback
TAR Controls, Reporting & Compliance
Track and update daily progress in the TAR database, SAP, and Stage Gate lists.
Ensure all scope changes are documented and approved through the FCO process.
Ensure compliance with Management of Change (MOC) processes.
Provide reports and maintain planning documentation as required.
Maintain compliance with required training (CBT/LMS).
General Responsibilities
Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
Maintain a professional image with internal teams, contractors, and vendors.
Assist other departments and administrative personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
Education, Experience, and/or Training
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 10 years’ experience working with fixed equipment.
Minimum 3 years’ experience working with rotating equipment.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in Turnaround planning
Scheduling knowledge required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong mechanical knowledge with a solid understanding …