RNG Operations Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS (RNG) OPERATIONS ENGINEER

We are and Equal Employment Opportunity Employe

Position: Renewable Natural Gas Operations Engineer

Department: Operations

Reports to: General Manager

Location: Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown, SD

Classification: Exempt

Annual Salary Range: $115,000 to $130,000

Annual Bonus Potential: 10%

Benefits: Standard CalBio benefits package is available: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

SD OpCO LLC partners with local dairy farmers, state, and federal agencies, providing a sustainable energy source that benefits the dairy, the company, and actively reduces greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Renewable Natural Gas Operations Engineer will serve as the onsite technical lead for SD Opco-operated RNG facilities near Summit, Estelline, and Trent. SD Opco operates large-scale renewable natural gas projects along the I-29 corridor, encompassing eight dairies, three gas upgrading sites, and two pipeline injection points. We are seeking an experienced Operations Engineer to provide technical support and leadership for these sites

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

- Serve as the onsite engineer for SD Opco-operated renewable natural gas projects, providing technical support for operations, troubleshooting processes and equipment, and managing capital improvement projects from design through execution. These activities encompass a diverse range of processes and equipment, including manure pumping systems, building HVAC, anaerobic digesters, instrumentation and metering, as well as gas upgrading and pipeline operations

- Operational Support & Troubleshooting

- Act as the primary engineering resource for day-to-day operations.

- Diagnose and resolve technical issues related to process performance, equipment reliability, and system integration.

- Collaborate with operations teams to implement corrective actions and optimize plant performance.

- Capital Improvement & Project Management

- Initiate, design, and manage capital improvement projects to enhance system efficiency and reliability.

- Oversee project execution from concept through commissioning, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

- Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.

- Activities encompass a wide range of processes and equipment, including:

- Manure handling and pumping systems

- Building HVAC systems

- PI&Ds, management of change and HAZOP reviews.

- Anaerobic digestion processes

- Instrumentation and mechanical equipment, and metering systems

- Gas upgrading technologies (e.g., membrane separation, pressure swing adsorption)

- Gas pipeline operations and interconnection systems

- Continuous Improvement & Compliance

- Monitor performance metrics and implement process improvements to maximize gas yield and minimize downtime.

- Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as industry best practices.

- Support training and development of operations staff on technical systems and procedures.

# QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).

Experience:

- 5 years of engineering experience in industrial operations support role, preferably in renewable energy, biogas, or natural gas systems.

- Hands-on experience with process troubleshooting and project management.

Technical Skills:

- Knowledge of anaerobic digestion, gas upgrading, and pipeline operations.

- Proficiency in instrumentation, controls, and mechanical systems.

- Experience in natural gas, chemical processing, refinery, biogas, wastewater treatment or equivalent safety-critical industry is preferred

- Proficient in interpreting electrical schematics, panel drawings, QA/QC documents, and process and instrumentation diagram (P&ID)

- Strong technical writing skills with proven ability to develop and deliver training on standards and procedures.

Soft Skills:

- Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and communicate effectively across all organizational levels

- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

# Preferred Qualifications

- Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain.

- Experience with SCADA systems and industrial automation.

- Familiarity with environmental permitting and compliance requirements.

- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent experience.

- Knowledge of renewable energy industry standards and best practices.

# Work Environment

- Ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments

- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential requirement when working within the facilities (i.e. steel-toe boots, hard hat, FR-rated clothing).

- Regular exposure to high decibel level noise from process equipment.

- Performing tasks that require interaction with hazardous fluids on a regular basis (gases, liquid, solids).

- An active presence in a plant environment that is processing a hazardous fluid.