Compression / Mechanical Engineer

Kinder Morgan, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinder Morgan in Houston is seeking a Compression/Mechanical Engineer with hands‑on experience in high‑pressure natural gas compressor systems. You will size equipment, develop scopes, and oversee fuel gas and auxiliary packages to ensure safety and reliability.

Applicants should have a BS in engineering, strong thermodynamics knowledge, and the ability to coordinate with vendors and internal teams across projects. This role is on site in Houston and requires travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in design/analysis of high‑pressure natural gas compressor systems.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and mechanical design.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop scopes of work and bid specs for compression equipment.
• Size and select equipment to optimize performance and reliability.
• Provide oversight on fuel gas systems, ESD, tanks, and related packages.
• Maintain engineering standards and vendor relationships.
• Support field operations and project management throughout projects.

Skills

Compressor design

Thermodynamics

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Compressor sizing software

Job description

What We Are Looking For

The Compression/Mechanical Engineer position requires a working knowledge in the selection and sizing of compression equipment and ancillary equipment for transportation and storage of natural gas. The individual selected for this position must have a working knowledge of 49 CFR Part 192 and ASME B31.8.

A compression/mechanical engineer is required to interact with various groups within Kinder Morgan as well as with equipment manufacturers, suppliers and outside engineering firms and must behave in a professional manner consistent with Kinder Morgan’s core values. This individual must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.

What You Will Do

• Develop technical scopes of work and equipment bid specifications, evaluate equipment proposals, provide engineering support for compression projects, troubleshoot equipment issues, and assess new technologies.
• Size and select compression equipment based on provided operating conditions to optimize performance and long-term reliability.
• Provide technical oversight into the design of fuel gas systems, air compressor packages, generator packages, ESD systems, gas filtration, gas cooling, station recycle, UL-142 tanks, etc.
• Provide technical oversight in the sizing/specification of on/off valve actuators, piping/valves/fittings, regulators, relief valves, and control valves.
• Establish vendor relationships as applies to compression equipment and ancillary systems.
• Develop and maintain company engineering standards and material specifications.
• Apply the company's design and operating philosophy to meet corporate goals for safety, regulatory compliance, efficiency, and profitability.
• Provide engineering support to Field Operations, EHS, Project Management, Business Development, System Design, Gas Control, Regulatory, Compliance, and other internal departments.
• Support project management during construction and commissioning activities by answering RFIs or other technical inquiries.
• Work with Operations, EHS, Project Management, Business Development, Gas Control, and other internal departments to maintain and improve the integrity of the company’s compression infrastructure through evaluations, risk assessments, project development/implementation, etc.

*Job level will commensurate with experience and knowledge

What You Need

Position Requirements

• Minimum of five years practical experience (post degree) in the design and technical analysis of high-pressure natural gas compressor systems.
• Understanding of core thermodynamic principles.
• Specific knowledge in natural gas compression equipment and the mechanical design of gas compression equipment (including reciprocating engines, gas turbines, electric motor drives, reciprocating compressors, and centrifugal compressors).
• Experience with vendor-supplied software for compressor sizing preferred.
• Working knowledge of compressor station layout and the design of all components associated with the compression process is preferred.
• Working knowledge of all applicable industry codes and standards, including 49 CFR Part 192, ASME, API, NACE, NEC, OSHA, etc.
• Proficiency with Word and Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, civil/structural, and electrical schematics and drawings.
• Ability to complete work assignments with little supervision in an acceptable time frame.
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload between multiple projects.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must maintain a regular, dependable attendance and high level of performance.
• Must be able to work with a team, take directions from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention on details, employ safe work practices, and follow work rules.
• Must be able and willing to travel (with overnight stays) as required to field sites and other offices.
• Must have effective written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable for company insurance policy.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from an accredited University.

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

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.