Facility Engineer

Company Description Vitol is a leader in energy and commodities. Vitol produces, manages and delivers energy and commodities to consumers and industry worldwide. In addition to its primary business of trading, Vitol is invested in infrastructure globally, with $10+billion invested in long-term assets.

Vitol’s customers include national oil companies, multinationals, leading industrial companies and utilities. Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, today Vitol serves its customers from some 40 offices worldwide. Revenues in 2023 were $400bn.

Our people are our business. Talent is precious to us and we create an environment in which individuals can reach their full potential, unhindered by hierarchy. Our team comprises more than 65+ nationalities and we are committed to developing and sustaining a diverse work force. Learn more about us here.

This Role is located in Houston, TX - In office 5x a week Job Description

The Facility Engineer is responsible for the design, optimization, and operational support of LFGTE facilities, with a focus on process engineering, piping systems, control systems, and compliance with codes and regulations (ASME, CFR, PHSMA, etc.). Based in Houston, TX, this role involves travel to plant locations to support commissioning, operations, and maintenance. The Facility Engineer collaborates with engineering, operations, and contract engineering firms to ensure facilities meet technical, safety, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has strong process engineering experience, proficiency in control systems integration, and familiarity with HYSYS or Promax software, thriving in a dynamic, small-team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Engineering and Optimization:

- Design and optimize LFG collection and RNG upgrading processes (e.g., membrane separation, pressure swing adsorption, amine scrubbing, compression, and BOP) to maximize efficiency and output.

- Develop and analyze process simulations using HYSYS or Promax software to model gas flows, heat and material balances, and system performance.

- Troubleshoot process issues during commissioning and operations, recommending improvements to enhance reliability and reduce downtime.

Piping Systems Design and Oversight:

- Design and review piping systems for LFG collection and RNG processing, ensuring compliance with ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and other relevant standards.

- Specify piping materials, valves, and fittings to handle methane, CO2, and trace gases, accounting for corrosion, pressure, and temperature requirements.

- Coordinate with contract engineering firms to validate piping designs and ensure integration with facility layouts.

Control Systems and Integration:

- Aid in the design and implementation of control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, or DCS) for automated operation of gas collection and RNG upgrading equipment, including the development of technical documents and specifications (eg. Control Narratives, C&Es, P&IDs, etc) .

- Integrate control systems with process equipment, ensuring seamless operation and real-time monitoring of parameters like pressure, flow, and temperature.

- Troubleshoot control system issues and coordinate with vendors or contract engineers for maintenance and upgrades.

Regulatory Compliance:

- Ensure facility designs and operations comply with PHMSA regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines) and ASME codes (e.g., ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels).

- Collaborate with the HSE Manager to incorporate safety and environmental requirements into facility designs, including gas leak detection and emissions controls.

- Support permitting processes and regulatory inspections, providing technical documentation as needed.

Commissioning and Operational Support:

- Participate in commissioning of facilities, verifying process performance, piping integrity, and control system functionality.

- Provide on-site technical support to Plant Managers and technicians during startup and operations, traveling to plant locations as needed.

- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for facility operations, aligning with HSE protocols and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Coordination:

- Work with contract engineering firms to ensure designs meet project specifications, safety standards, and budget constraints.

- Partner with the HSE Manager to integrate safety features (e.g., pressure relief systems, ventilation) into facility designs.

- Support the Project Controls Analyst by providing technical inputs for cost estimates, schedules, and procurement of process equipment.

Documentation and Reporting:

- Maintain accurate records of process designs, piping layouts, and control system configurations for audits and future reference.

- Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders, summarizing facility performance and improvement recommendations.

Qualifications

Education:

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.

Experience:

- 2–7 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in natural gas, biogas, or RNG facilities.

- Proven expertise in piping system design, control systems integration, and compliance with ASME codes and PHMSA regulations.

- Experience with LFG or RNG projects, including gas collection or upgrading systems, is highly desirable.

- Familiarity with commissioning and troubleshooting process equipment in energy or waste-to-energy industries.

Skills:

- Proficiency in process simulation software, with preference for Aspen HYSYS or BR&E Promax experience; familiarity with other tools (e.g., ChemCAD) is a plus.

- Strong knowledge of piping design standards (e.g., ASME B31.3) and pressure vessel codes (e.g., ASME Section VIII).

- Experience with control systems (PLC, SCADA, DCS) and integration with process equipment; preference for Allen Bradley hardware/software, and Ignition

- Understanding of PHMSA regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Part 192) for gas pipeline safety.

- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills to work with internal teams and external contractors.

- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, lean environment.

Certifications (Preferred but not required):

- Certifications in process safety (e.g., PSM) or control systems (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).

- Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, HAZWOPER) for site visits.

Additional Information

Location and Travel:

- Based in Houston, TX, with access to office or remote work capabilities.

- Willingness to travel to plant locations (landfills or RNG facilities) for commissioning, inspections, or troubleshooting (estimated 50% travel).

Physical Requirements:

- Primarily office-based with frequent site visits to landfill or RNG facilities.

- Comfortable working in industrial environments, wearing PPE (e.g., hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots) per HSE protocols.

- Ability to navigate plant sites, including climbing ladders or working in confined spaces, as needed.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following characteristics:

- Team player

- Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage changing priorities

- Proactive and customer focused “make it work” mentality

- Highly responsive, resourceful and able to think creatively and adapt

- Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Work Environment

- This job operates in a professional office environment. Because of the collaborative, fast-paced, and high energy nature of our business, Vitol requires team members to work from our fully-equipped office.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.