Leak Detection Engineer - Lakewood, United States - Tallgrass Energy

Description

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and
highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years.
Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely,
reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our
nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams
and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their
contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and
financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests
• Hybrid work schedule with onsite collaboration three days a week

Primary purpose:

As a member of the Operations Control & Systems Engineering team, this position is responsible for technically evaluating leak sensitivity of liquid pipelines and enhancing the performance of multiple leak detection applications based on operating conditions, properties of the fluid and pipe, installed instrumentation, and real-time data collection. This position requires demonstrated aptitude in hydraulics, automation, leak detection technologies, computer simulation modeling, statistical analysis, measurement/instrumentation, and SCADA.

This individual will work closely with multi-discipline teams made up of operations engineers, controllers, SCADA analysts, vendors, and other engineers to formulate and execute a plan to provide real time computer-based computational monitoring of pipelines, where reliability and sensitivity are of paramount importance. This engineer will provide consultation and support for Tallgrass field projects, co-engineer new analytical tools and models to enhance control center capabilities and provide ongoing maintenance support and tuning of existing leak detection systems and pipeline modeling software.

Additionally, this role may from time to time assist other operations/system engineers within the group in the areas of peer review, modeling (natural gas, CO2, NH3, and oil), and other engineering functions as identified. There will be interaction with commercial/business development teams to evaluate potential expansion and/or acquisition opportunities which will require an ability to deliver, and clearly communicate, any technical analysis in a professional and timely manner, often on a short timeline.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Supports, configures, and maintains hydraulic models and leak detection applications for all Tallgrass liquids pipelines.
• Specifies, designs, evaluates, integrates and documents changes for leak detection applications.
• Assists operations engineers/system design engineers via peer review for various modeling efforts.
• Provides consultation and project support for leak detection applications and real-time computer-based computational monitoring.
• Evaluates leak detection performance to identify and execute improvement opportunities.
• Plans and executes routine maintenance and tuning of leak detection systems.
• Maintains Control Center metrics, performance reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Trains controllers to identify and diagnose deviations and leak indications.
• Supports design, testing, and commissioning for field projects (new sites, equipment upgrades, etc.) that affect leak detection systems.
• Evaluates pipeline performance opportunities for the control center (hydraulic analysis, etc.) and provides input into operational philosophies/improvements.
• Provides problem solving, continuous improvement, and standardization for Control Center work processes.
• Optimize electrical/DRA costs.
• Accountable for adherence to API 1130 and 1175 recommended practices.
• Understands the business needs of the Control Center and Tallgrass to align and prioritize work objectives.
• Supports the Control Center, System Design, and SCADA.
• Provides expert consultation in areas of design, development, and implementation of hydraulic analysis and leak detection for liquids and CO2 pipelines.
• Coordinates efforts at all levels with other departments.
• Demonstrates leadership in work groups through knowledge of hydraulic analysis and leak detection design.
• Helps management set technical objectives.
• Participates in incident investigations (spill response, etc.)
• Participates in the Management of Change (MOC) process and documents Best Practices
• Maintains knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to leak detection systems.
• Fosters cooperation and collaboration among individuals on work teams
• Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Other daily, weekly, monthly, or special project duties as identified and defined.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical).
• A minimum of 15 years of related pipeline experience.
• Knowledge in hydraulics, automation, leak detection technologies, modeling, statistical analysis, measurement/instrumentation, and SCADA and how to configure, tune and maintain advanced leak detection systems in a dynamic Control Center environment.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Must possess general understanding of how corporate policies, procedures and practices are related to affiliates, associated business units and internal and external customers.
• Ability to work in a regulated environment that may include handling sensitive company and customer information.
• Ability to communicate with management, peers, and across disciplines and companies.
• Familiarity with fluid dynamics and mechanics.
• Recognized industry technical expert in hydraulic simulations and design.
• Possesses a thorough knowledge of general Engineering principles and theories.
• Familiar with FERC regulations, tariffs, and contractual obligations.
• Familiar with DOT, EPA, OSHA, and other applicable pipeline safety and environmental regulations.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of pipeline modeling software (Synergi, WinFlow, NextGen)

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Proficiency in basic engineering skills.
• Can successfully plan and deliver complex, multi-team or system, long-term projects, including ones with external dependencies. Independently scopes, designs, and delivers solutions for large, complex challenges.
• Assesses the feasibility of proposed Engineering evaluation tests or products, when necessary, data is insufficient.
• Works toward solutions and applications that work for the entire system.
• Ability to communicate goals in solution or project terms.
• Leads by example and inspires others.
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts and build consensus between team members concerning technical matters.
• Knowledge and experience in the design and operation of crude oil pipeline facilities.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Must be able to collaborate with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications, experience and skill sets of the successful candidate.

Physical Demands:

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Field activities may include walking to and amidst work and/or construction sites, climbing in and out of trenches, working around heavy equipment, negotiating rough terrain, areas of loose rock and working in confined spaces.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional overtime may be required.
• The majority of the typical workday is spent in an office environment, though this may change depending upon the location assignment. For work performed out of doors, weather conditions vary and can be extreme, depending upon location assignment and may include severe seasonal changes which are primarily influenced by geographic location.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with fellow workers and demonstrate adherence to established safety policies and procedures.
• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Above the minimum requirements, not required but advantageous in this position:

• Specific knowledge related to the design and installation of pipeline facilities.
• Specific knowledge of Emerson CPM leak detection software.
• Advanced knowledge of OSI PI software
• Experience and knowledge with compressor/pump station and pipeline design
• Advanced computer skills
• Experience with gas pipeline modeling software programs and hydraulic transient analysis
• Specific knowledge and application experience as a project manager in a commercial environment
• Knowledge and/or application experience with industry standards (DOT 49CFR192, API, ASME, ANSI, NACE, NEC, etc.).

Other responsibilities:

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Tallgrass an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V