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Pipeline Compression Engineer

The Pipeline Compression Engineer will serve as the technical lead and owner's engineering representative for the development, design review, construction, commissioning, and operational integration of natural gas pipeline compression facilities. This role supports major pipeline throughput expansion projects utilizing both turbine-driven centrifugal compression and reciprocating compression systems for pack-and-draft operations at major pipeline hub locations.

The engineer will provide technical oversight of external oil and gas engineering firms and will maintain final authority on key compression system design decisions including redundancy philosophy, operating modes, surge control strategies, recirculation systems, overpressure protection, acoustics, construction logistics, and compressor building design.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with Solar and GE/Baker Hughes turbine compression systems, Caterpillar reciprocating engine systems, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, electric motor/VFD applications, and pipeline hub compression operations where multiple pipelines are brought to a common transmission pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Compression Facility Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead technical evaluation and oversight of new natural gas compression station projects supporting pipeline throughput expansion and pack-and-draft operations.
• Provide owner's engineering review of EPC and third-party engineering contractor deliverables.
• Support development of compression facilities utilizing:
• Solar gas turbines
• GE/Baker Hughes turbine compression systems
• Caterpillar reciprocating engine-driven compressors
• Centrifugal compressors
• Reciprocating compressors
• Review and approve compressor station layouts, piping systems, operating philosophies, and mechanical system designs.

Pipeline Hub Compression Operations

• Support compression facilities that aggregate and balance gas flow from multiple interstate and intrastate pipelines to common operating pressures.
• Evaluate system hydraulics, operating flexibility, and compression staging strategies.
• Review transient operating scenarios and pipeline operational modes.

Compressor System Engineering

• Provide final technical input on:
• Compressor selection and sizing
• Redundancy philosophy and unit sparing
• Surge control systems
• Compressor recirculation loops
• Suction/discharge piping arrangements
• Overpressure protection systems
• Blowdown systems
• Station startup and shutdown sequencing
• Evaluate compressor performance and operating envelopes under varying pipeline conditions.

Noise & Building Design

• Lead review of compressor station acoustical design and noise mitigation strategies.
• Ensure station and building designs minimize operational noise impacts to surrounding communities and meet regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve:
• Acoustic enclosures
• Exhaust silencers
• Vent silencers
• Building insulation systems
• Ventilation acoustics
• Noise wall concepts
• Coordinate acoustical requirements with building layout and construction design.

Construction & Project Execution

• Support project execution planning and construction logistics for greenfield and brownfield compression projects.
• Review constructability, modularization approaches, crane access, maintenance access, and future expansion capability.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site commissioning, startup, and performance testing activities.
• Coordinate with operations, construction, and commissioning teams throughout project execution.

Controls, Electrical & Protection Systems

• Review compressor control philosophies including:
• Anti-surge control systems
• Unit sequencing
• Station automation
• Emergency shutdown systems (ESD)
• SCADA integration
• Provide technical oversight for electric motor and variable frequency drive (VFD) applications where applicable.
• Review system protection and pressure relief philosophies.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in natural gas pipeline compression engineering or major gas transmission infrastructure projects.
• Direct experience with:
• Solar gas turbine compression systems
• GE/Baker Hughes compression systems
• Caterpillar reciprocating engine systems
• Centrifugal compressors
• Reciprocating compressors
• Pipeline hub compression operations
• Pack-and-draft compression systems
• Experience overseeing third-party engineering firms and EPC contractors.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of:
• Compressor station process design
• Pipeline hydraulics
• Surge control systems
• Compressor performance analysis
• Overpressure protection systems
• Industrial acoustics and noise mitigation
• Pipeline operational flexibility and throughput optimization
• Familiarity with:
• API 617
• API 618
• API 616
• ASME B31.8
• NFPA requirements
• PHMSA regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience supporting interstate natural gas transmission systems.
• Experience with large-scale pipeline expansion projects.
• Knowledge of pipeline control room operations and SCADA systems.
• Experience with compressor station commissioning and startup operations.

Desired Competencies

• Strong owner's engineering mindset
• Excellent contractor management and technical review capability
• Advanced troubleshooting and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and leadership abilities
• Ability to balance operational reliability, safety, constructability, and cost considerations

Typical Projects

• Greenfield natural gas compressor station development
• Pipeline throughput expansion projects
• Pipeline hub compression facilities
• Pack-and-draft compression systems
• Turbine compression upgrades and replacements
• Compressor station noise mitigation projects
• Brownfield compression station modernization and expansion