Laboratory Engineer

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Job Description:

Summary

The Laboratory Engineer develops and performs testing on fluids used in hydraulic fracturing (HF) operations; makes recommendations to organization leaders and clients based on test results; and assists with troubleshooting and resolving HF fluid systems.

Responsibilities

- Develop and perform testing methods using gas chromatography, florescence spectrometry, melt index, and film extrusion

- Check calibration on all designated instruments or equipment and adjust calibration when necessary

- Perform flow loop testing to verify client and customer selected friction reducers

- Accurately and correctly log all water samples, oil samples, and chemicals samples delivered to the HF laboratory

- Ensure fresh and produced water analysis accuracy by testing samples upon receipt

- Make recommendations to organization leaders and clients for cost effective and successful well stimulation based on water analysis and flow loop testing results

- Perform heat bath, settling, and separation testing to determine emulsion of HF fluid chemicals used by clients

- Test for presence of Hydrogen Sulfide gas (H2S) and make recommendations to organization leaders and clients about mitigating exposure risk

- Develop testing methods to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a pH solution on a logarithmic scale

- Provide proper loadings for designated chemicals to correlate with water analysis during ProBor stability and break testing

- Perform sieve analysis to determine pass and fail tolerance percentage

- Assess summary reports and interpret any outstanding samples

- Develop reports for clients that provide fluid test results and make recommendations to avoid failures

- Follow all written policies and procedures safely without deviation

- Communicate any questions or concerns to upper management before proceeding with sample analyses or job-related tasks

- Assist field personnel with troubleshooting and resolving HF fluid systems

- Track laboratory inventory and submit purchase orders for inventory item replacement

- Consistently observe safe handling of the chemicals required to perform analyses and testing

- Participate in maintaining a safe laboratory environment by ensuring all chemicals are stored properly, equipment is kept clean and functioning properly, and perform housekeeping daily

- Safely operate a company vehicle day or night, on various road types, and in all weather conditions

- Maintain compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) by attending all required training sessions, safety meetings, and always utilize and understand proper application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

- Minimum 2 years’ experience as an oilfield Chemical Engineer or related field, preferred

- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineer or equivalent, preferred

- Maintaining a valid, current driver’s license and a clean driving record, required

- Must understand HF fluid systems, chemicals used in HF processes, and diverters

- Must be proficient working with established HF Laboratory Equipment (i.e., inductive coupled plasma (ICP), ion chromatography (IC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), etc.)

- Must be able to perform flow loop testing and verify friction reducers

- Must understand H2S testing and possess the ability to recommend measures to mitigate exposure risks

- Must be able to determine pass or fail percentage tolerance through sieve analysis

- Must be able to accurately load designated chemicals for ProBor stability and break testing

- Must be proficient in developing reports that convey clear HF Laboratory test results and include recommendations to clients for failure avoidance

- Proficient knowledge of chemical safe handling and proper application of PPE for each task (i.e., acid gloves, latex or nitrile gloves, impact gloves, chemical apron, etc.)

- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to effectively interact with team members, managers, and personnel across the organization

- High critical thinking and analytical skills; able gather, analyze, and interpret data to make recommendations

- Must exhibit knowledge of professional behavior and be comfortable interacting with managers and clients

- Must be highly organized with excellent time management skills

- Must be available to work long hours including evenings when necessary

- Must be physically able to safely operate a company vehicle day or night, on various road types, and in all weather conditions

- Must be willing and able to work late hours when required

- Must be physically able to lift 25 lbs. to waist level

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those required for an employee to successfully perform the role’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform their major responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, or walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop or bend; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent environmental conditions an employee will encounter while performing the role’s essential functions. The noise level in some work environments can be moderate and an employee may encounter extreme weather conditions while performing major duties. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform their major responsibilities.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the role’s classification. This job description is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications required of employees assigned to this role.

ProPetro is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.