Energy Management Engineer

Plains; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Plains in Houston, TX seeks an Energy Management Engineer to monitor pipeline and process facility operations, optimize energy use, and lead energy projects as a subject-matter expert. The role involves coordinating with Control Center, Operations, and Accounting to manage budgets and improve efficiency.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering with 3+ years in pipeline/industrial operations, strong hydraulics modeling skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Chemical preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in pipeline and/or process facility operations.
• Experience with fluid hydraulics and hydraulic modeling in industrial applications; ability to use hydraulic process modeling software.
• Ability to multi-task and perform highly detailed work independently under deadlines.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with short turnaround times.
• Aptitude for analyzing and solving complex problems.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and industry applications.
• Cleared criminal history and satisfactory reference checks.
• Compliance with Drug & Alcohol Policy including pre-employment testing.
• Valid state driver’s license and driving record satisfactory to the company and insurers.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pipeline schedules, flow rates, crude qualities, and temperatures to provide operating guidance to Control Center.
• Prepare hydraulic models to optimize systems considering utility rate structures and DRA.
• Review utility contracts and rate structures for appropriateness based on usage and forecasted volumes.
• Prepare cost curves for commercial evaluation.
• Manage DRA and demand response programs within the assigned area.
• Participate in design of new capital projects from an energy efficiency perspective.
• Drive design consistency to reduce OPEX.
• Acquire power on large projects focusing on reducing utility operating expenses.
• Provide equipment recommendations for existing or new services.
• Liaise with electric utilities for usage forecast and rate structures.
• Manage Plains energy resources and communicate with electrical SMEs.
• Collaborate with Operations and Accounting to establish utility budgets and revenue accruals.
• Coordinate with Control Center and Scheduling daily on pipeline operating guidelines.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Hydraulic modeling software

Microsoft Office Suite

Access

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Type

Regular

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Plains has an immediate opening for an Energy Management Engineer in our Houston, Texas, office. Reporting to the Manager, Energy Management, you will be challenged with monitoring Plains’ pipeline and process facility operations to ensure efficiency, maximize revenue, and minimize OPEX. In addition, you will develop, implement, and manage energy projects to improve overall operational performance and act as an energy management SME. Our ideal candidate is technically exceptional while being a collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pipeline schedules, flow rates, crude qualities, and temperatures to provide operating guidance to Control Center.
• Prepare hydraulic models to optimize systems that accounts for utility rate structure and drag reducing agent (DRA).
• Conduct a review of utility contracts and rate structures to determine if rate structure is appropriate based on historical usage and forecasted volumes.
• Prepare cost curves for commercial evaluation.
• Manages DRA and demand response programs, including growth of new programs, within assigned area of responsibility.
• Participate in the design of new capital projects from an energy efficiency perspective.
• Drive design consistency to reduce OPEX.
• Acquire power on large projects focusing on opportunities to reduce utility operating expenses.
• Provide equipment recommendations for existing or new services.
• Liaise with electric utilities to provide usage forecast and discuss rate structures and future expansion plans.
• Manage Plains energy resources and communicate with electrical SMEs.
• Collaborate with Operations and Accounting to establish utility budgets and provide revenue system accruals.
• Coordinate with Control Center and Scheduling daily on pipeline system operating guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, Chemical focus preferred (other degrees may be considered with appropriate work experience)
• 3+ years of experience in pipeline and / or process facility operations
• Experience with fluid hydraulics and hydraulic modeling in industrial applications; able to use hydraulic process modeling software (build models, correctly interpret output, make recommendations, troubleshoot simulations, etc.)
• Ability to multi-task and perform highly detailed work independently under changing, intensive deadlines
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with short turnaround times (optimization, budgeting, new utility services, etc.)
• Aptitude for analyzing and solving complex problems
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills a must
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and industry applications
• Cleared criminal history (background) check and satisfactory reference checks
• Compliance with the company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy including pre-employment testing
• Valid state driver's license and driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers

Plains

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting [e-mail].

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.