Pipeline Hydraulic Engineer I (System Design)

Primary purpose:

As a member of the Operations Control & Flow Assurance Engineering team, this early-career position supports the technical evaluation of natural gas pipeline systems from a hydraulic standpoint using Gregg Engineering’s NextGen transient and steady-state modeling software. The role supports hydraulic modeling efforts for capacity management and project requests, including support for commercial/business development opportunities that may involve pipeline design and compressor facility conceptual evaluation.

This role works under close supervision with structured development, while building the capability to independently deliver accurate modeling outputs, clearly communicate results, and contribute to safe and reliable pipeline operations.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Hydraulic Modeling & Engineering Support

- Support, configure, and maintain hydraulic models for natural gas pipelines in applicable simulation software (NextGen).

- Perform routine engineering tasks to expand knowledge and experience in pipeline hydraulics and modeling.

- Follow prescribed procedures and conduct analyses to develop design options or recommendations.

- Evaluate model outputs against operational data to support identification of improvement opportunities (with guidance from senior engineers).

- Assist in front-end hydraulic analysis for projects and operational scenarios (e.g., capacity/constraint screening, what-if cases).

Project & Cross-Functional Support

- Assist more senior engineers in the preparation of plans, designs, computation methods, and reports.

- Support Commercial/Business Development by running modeled scenarios for potential expansion and/or acquisition opportunities to help identify hydraulic limitations and preliminary design needs (under direction and review).

- Provide straightforward solutions to well-defined problems; escalate complex issues with recommended options.

Operational Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

- Provide consultation and project support for hydraulic applications and computer-based monitoring (as assigned).

- Support operational improvement initiatives by identifying pipeline performance opportunities for the control center (hydraulic analysis support, operational philosophy inputs, etc., with supervision).

- Participate in incident investigations and documentation of best practices as requested.

- Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to non-technical personnel (with coaching and review).

Professional Expectations

- Work on a small portion of larger projects; work is closely managed with regular check-ins to ensure clarity and alignment to goals.

- Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.

- Speak clearly in person and by phone; listen carefully and document requirements/assumptions.

- Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.

- Work non-traditional hours as needed to support critical business needs.

- Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.

- Other duties as assigned.

Education:

- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or a related field.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

- 0–3 years of engineering experience (internship/co-op experience applicable).

- Beginner proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

- Foundational understanding of engineering principles; interest in pipeline hydraulics/flow assurance and willingness to learn modeling tools and operational practices.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

- Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

- Ability to clear drug screening and background checks as required.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Proactive problem-solving and innovation mindset.

- Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

- Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.

- Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

- Ability to de-escalate conflicts and build consensus between team members concerning technical matters.

- 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.

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.

- Primarily office-based work with occasional field activities involving walking, climbing, and working in varied weather conditions.

- Ability to sit for prolonged periods and perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 25 lbs.

- 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.

- Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.

- 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.

Working Conditions:

- Must be available for occasional overtime and non-traditional work hours.

- Occasional overnight travel may be required.

- May be 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:

- Exposure to hydraulic modeling tools (Synergi Gas/Liquids, NextGen) through coursework, internship, or on-the-job experience.

- Introductory knowledge of pipeline operations, measurement/instrumentation, automation concepts, or applicable regulations/standards (e.g., DOT awareness).

Other responsibilities:

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

Compensation:

- The salary range for this role is $74,200-$111,200/yr