Senior Internal Corrosion Engineer-Storage

Position Description

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 79,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals, and 700 Bcf of working natural gas storage capacity. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils and other products. Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.

The responsibilities for this role include providing corrosion engineering, technical support, direction and oversight to the Company corrosion control program for the Natural Gas Pipeline business unit, including policy and procedure development and technical review and support of corrosion related issues and tasks. This position is part of KM’s Operations Support Group (OSG) Corrosion Control department that includes 11 corrosion engineers/specialists reporting to the Manager-Corrosion Control, supporting corrosion control activities across all of Kinder Morgan.

Kinder Morgan offers competitive wages, 401(k) savings plan, retirement plan, comprehensive medical/Rx and dental plans, paid time off, paid holidays, hybrid work schedules, and a bonus program.

Job Description

• This role supports Operations in managing corrosion on piping (not including well casings) in Kinder Morgan’s twenty-seven natural gas storage fields. Operations (corrosion technicians and corrosion supervisors) are responsible for performing the corrosion control monitoring and mitigation tasks, this role would provide support for those tasks.
• Support and oversee consistent application of Company procedures in the Company’s storage field pipeline corrosion control program within the Natural Gas Pipelines business unit.
• Provide a high level of corrosion control technical expertise and problem-solving to the field-based corrosion supervisors and technicians for complex internal corrosion control, including site reviews, gas quality, analysis of corrosion coupons, liquid/solid sample analysis results interpretation, maintenance pigging schedules, and other internal corrosion monitoring and mitigation systems.
• Provide support for the corrosion-related technical problems of the operations, measurement and gas quality, project engineering and engineering design departments.
• Provide technical support for company internal corrosion control database software.
• Direct and support the development and maintenance of company corrosion control standards and develop, maintain and conduct training for internal corrosion policies and procedures including O&M manual, design, construction, operator qualification program, and new training course materials.
• Support Corrosion Supervisors and Corrosion Technicians as a subject-matter expert on KM standards and procedures, including O&M, construction standards, and material requirements related to corrosion control.
• Review and provide feedback on remedial action mitigation plans resulting from in-line inspections and internal corrosion inspections to assist in assuring development of cost effective solutions consistent with corporate philosophy.
• Assist in the technical development and mentoring of field-based corrosion control personnel through routine interactions and providing technical review and support.
• Provide subject-matter expertise where needed in communications with DOT and state regulatory agencies and in corporate audits.
• Support field operations use of corrosion control contractors as a liaison with contractors/materials suppliers and supply division- or company-wide coordination when applicable.
• Make informed decisions involving internal corrosion mitigation requirements, such as corrosion treatment chemical selection, internal coatings, corrosion-resistant materials selection, and internal corrosion monitoring technologies such as coupons, probes, liquid and solid sampling, and develop recommendations on internal corrosion mitigation based on results from inline inspection.
• Perform corrosion control failure analysis to determine root-cause working in conjunction with company metallurgists and laboratory personnel, and develop remediation plans.

Position may be filled at various levels depending on experience and job skills of the successful candidate

Position Requirements

Education

• Minimum of BS in an Engineering or Science discipline, optimally with at least 10 years of in-depth corrosion control experience and working knowledge of internal corrosion monitoring and mitigation of natural gas pipelines, but other levels of experience may be considered.

Competencies/Skills

• Ability to effectively and efficiently perform job description requirements including those identified above.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Position requires working with various management levels and departments to achieve reliability results. Accomplished public speaking skills in formal situations for large audiences. Must have excellent writing skills with the ability to write clear and concise technical reports, specifications and work instructions.
• This position requires a high level of analytical skills. Familiarity with root cause analysis for problem resolution techniques is a plus. Ability to make informed decisions involving pipeline monitoring/mitigation, budgets, and broad program initiatives for corrosion control.
• Individual must be a self-starter, and be able to work without direct supervision.
• Assure quality, accurate and timely completion of all individual and group deliverables including timely completion of all requirements in related standards, procedures, policies goals, objectives and internal and external customer requests.
• Work well in a team environment including interaction and collaboration with management, peers and subordinates in an open and positive setting that demonstrates receptiveness to ideas and appropriate flexibility.
• Should have proven project management skills - must be able to prioritize multiple projects for different internal customers simultaneously, exceptional planning and scheduling abilities, and good communications skills are a must. The position also requires the ability to serve as a project team member and as a team lead to coordinate projects that have a significant impact.
• Must be able to complete tasks and assignments in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The role includes a continual commitment to safety and the environment.
• Possess advanced computer skills, familiar with integrated data development and analysis.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of applicable Federal and State pipeline safety regulations including Title 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart I Requirements for Corrosion Control.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• The job position will be in the Kinder Morgan Houston headquarters located downtown at 1001 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas.

Work Conditions

• Must be willing and able to work in an office environment.
• Occasional travel to other field or corporate locations may be required depending on nature of ongoing work activities (approximately 10 to 25%).
• Availability for work outside normal hours when required.
• Must be willing and able to carry a cell phone and respond as needed.
• Subject to background check and Company drug testing program.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing all phases of corrosion control and demonstrated continuing responsibility implementing corrosion control programs in the gas or liquids pipeline industry including but not limited to internal corrosion monitoring and mitigation.
• Familiarity with applicable industry organization standards and recommended practices such as AMPP/NACE, API, ASME, etc.
• Knowledge of general pipeline operations standards, practices and procedures.
• Experience writing and revising standards or procedures.
• Working knowledge applicable regulations such as 49 CFR Part 192.
• Detailed understanding of various methods of pipeline integrity assessment methods.
• Knowledge of non-destructive testing methods.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies such as PHMSA or related state agencies.
• Higher-level related industry certifications such as AMPP/NACE Specialist certification.
• Understanding of in-line inspection technologies and experience evaluating in-line inspection surveys.
• Advanced computer and data skills.

Primary Location

Texas – Houston Headquarters located downtown at 1001 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas.

Organization

Operations Support Group (OSG), Pipeline Integrity/Corrosion Control

The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.