Natural Gas Process Engineer

Position Description

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We have an interest in or operate approximately 82,000 miles of pipelines and 140 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle renewable fuels, petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils and other products.

At Kinder Morgan, we take pride in providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of people, communities and businesses who depend on it.

Kinder Morgan offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and hybrid/alternate work schedules.

The Renewable Natural Gas Engineer is responsible for providing analytical and technical expertise to support the design, engineering, analysis, and operation of natural gas processing facilities in accordance with industry practices, codes and standards, company codes and standards, and applicable process safety criteria. The position will evaluate and assist in developing processes and programs that encourage safety, reliability, and improved performance and efficiency.

This position will be filled at one of the following four locations. Pay and title will be commensurate with experience.

• Carmel, IN office (near Indianapolis) – hybrid eligible
• Monticello, IN office (near Lafayette)
• Bremen, IN office (near South Bend)
• Houston, TX headquarters – hybrid eligible

Key Duties:

• Establish and maintain a high level of communication and flow of information throughout all projects (and support functions) to include all stakeholders; detail and define scopes of work/supply, expectations, timelines, and progress reporting.
• Act as a Company liaison between project management, operations, and third party engineering contractors to ensure facility design and equipment proposals comply with Company standards
• Provide troubleshooting, optimization, and reliability support to operations with process simulation tools and operational understanding.
• Develop project design bases and feed studies for proposed Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and capital projects.
• Perform technical, risk, and safety evaluations of materials and chemicals utilized.
• Develop and update process and equipment specifications and standards.
• Explore, evaluate, and introduce new technologies to enhance safety, reliability, and performance; network with industry groups, technical committees, and suppliers.
• Promote open, ethical, and continuous communication between various departments, customers, and personnel.
• Evaluate ProMax process models and make recommendations based on changing process conditions identified in model

Position Requirements

Education:

• BS degree in Chemical , petroleum or natural gas engineering from an accredited college or university. Related degrees with on the job experience may be considered.

Job Requirements:

• Provides engineering support to the operations of RNG processing plants.
• Lead the daily optimization of the processed gas volume, quality, and facility reliability to maximize the energy recovery of the RNG for improved performance and revenue generation by using data and all available resources.
• Provides guidance, recommendations, and direction to RNG operators, technicians and managers on plant design, construction, and operational issues.
• Operational experience and knowledge of natural gas processing facilities and equipment.
• Experience with design and optimization of both new and existing gas processing facilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interface with a diverse range of personnel with varying disciplines, backgrounds, and experience levels.
• Strong customer focus in dealing with Project Management, Business Development, Operations, Contractors, Suppliers and other internal and external groups.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
• Perform detailed sizing, design, and specification of all major equipment within gas processing facilities including, but not limited to, the following: compression, heat exchangers, membranes, pumps, towers, separators, heaters, control valves, and Pressure Safety Valves (PSV’s).
• Participate in baseline, revalidation, and project PHA/HAZOP studies as necessary for both new and existing facilities; assist in completion of Management of Change requirements.
• Perform and/or validate relief valve and flare system sizing/evaluations.
• Maintain and update Process Safety Information (PSI) including but not limited to Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Heat & Material Balances, Process Simulations, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Cause & Effect Matrices (C&E), Consequences of Deviation (COD), Pressure Relief Valve Calculations, and Maximum Intended Inventory (MII).
• Functional knowledge and understanding of ASME B31.3, ASME Section VII Div 1, API 520/521, and other RAGAGEP standards and regulations related to process engineering facility design, construction, and operation.
• Thorough understanding of most of the following midstream processes:
  • Glycol Dehydration
  • Solid Desiccant Dehydration
  • Compression
  • Closed Loop Chiller Systems
  • Acid Gas Removal Systems (e.g. Amine, Selexol, etc.)
  • Pressure Swing Adsorption
  • Temperature Swing Adsorption
  • Cryogenic Liquefaction Nitrogen Rejection
  • Product Storage, Transfer, and Unloading/Loading
  • Utility Systems (e.g. heat medium, flare, RTO, fuel gas, steam, instrument air, etc.)
  • Review and provide feedback on equipment drawings, vessel calculations, and construction drawings.
  • Assist EHS with environmental permit requirements including air emissions, storage, and proper disposal of waste.
  • Knowledge and experience with managing projects.
  • Ability to develop, read, and interpret mechanical blueprints and diagrams.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
  • Strong presentation and report writing skills.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
  • Business travel is required and expected to be 30 to 50% of time.
  • Required to carry a cell phone and respond as needed during working and non-working hours.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in design, construction, and/or operation of natural gas processing facilities and/or landfill gas processing facilities.
• Possess fundamental knowledge of natural gas processing and RNG processing.
• Practical experience and knowledge of industry codes including B31.3/31.8, DOT CFR 49 191/192, ASME, ANSI, OSHA, API, NACE
• Proficient in the use of process modeling applications (e.g. BR&E ProMax, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Flare System Analyzer, Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating, etc.).
• Experience with process facility instrumentation, controls, and automation.
• Experience in field/plant operations.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to walk up and down stairs/ladders, negotiate uneven surfaces, and comfortably work on top of oil storage tanks and catwalks.
• Exposure to smells and fumes associated with refined petroleum products.
• Climatic conditions are determined by work assignments and may include winter conditions with frequent snow or extreme summer heat depending upon geographic location.
• Employee must be physically capable of completing and satisfying all training requirements as stipulated by local, state, or federal agencies and/or Company policy.
• Individual will be required to carry a communications device and must be willing and able to support operations 24 hours per day in case of emergencies.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the United States.
• Extensive travel may be required including overnight stays for several days.
• Field activities may include walking to and amidst work and/or construction sites, climbing in and out of storage tanks, working around heavy equipment, negotiating rough terrain including areas of loose rock, and working in confined spaces.

Kinder Morgan Offers:

• Competitive Wages
• 401(k) Savings Plan (with Company Contribution)
  • KM contributes 5% of your eligible compensation each pay period to your Savings account. You can contribute from 1% to 50% on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
• Additional Retirement Pension Plan
  • KM contributes 4% or 5% of your eligible compensation plus interest to your Retirement Pension Plan on a bi-weekly basis
• Comprehensive Medical/Rx and Dental Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Bonus Program

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: