Pipeline Compression Engineer

Crescent Solutions; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Crescent Solutions is seeking an experienced Pipeline Compression Engineer to lead and own technical engineering representation for natural gas compression projects across greenfield and brownfield developments. You will guide design reviews, EPC oversight, commissioning, and startup, interfacing with operations and suppliers.

The role emphasizes turbine-driven and reciprocating compression, pipeline hydraulics, station controls, and rigorous technical leadership across project phases from

Qualifications

• Requires a Mechanical Engineering degree with 10+ years in natural gas pipeline compression or major gas-transmission projects.
• Experience with centrifugal and reciprocating compressors and turbine-/engine-driven systems.
• Strong knowledge of compressor-station process design, hydraulics, surge control, and protection systems.
• Experience overseeing EPC contractors and third-party engineering firms.
• Familiarity with API 616/617/618, ASME B31.8, NFPA, and PHMSA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluations for compressor station projects and pipeline-capacity expansions.
• Review EPC and third-party deliverables for safety, reliability, and constructability.
• Support sizing and application of turbine-driven, engine-driven, centrifugal, and reciprocating compression equipment.
• Review station layouts, process piping, hydraulics, and compression-staging strategies.
• Provide direction on redundancy, surge control, startup/shutdown sequencing, and protection schemes.
• Review controls, anti-surge systems, SCADA integration, and motor/VFD applications.
• Assess acoustical design, noise mitigation, and enclosure considerations.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, operations, commissioning teams, suppliers, and contractors.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Pipeline Compression Engineer to serve as the technical lead and owner’s engineering representative for natural gas compression projects. This position will support facility development, design review, construction, commissioning, startup, and operational integration for greenfield and brownfield pipeline infrastructure.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with turbine-driven and reciprocating compression systems, pipeline hydraulics, station controls, and EPC oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluations for natural gas compressor station projects and pipeline-capacity expansions.
• Review EPC and third-party engineering deliverables for technical accuracy, safety, reliability, and constructability.
• Support the selection, sizing, and application of turbine-driven, engine-driven, centrifugal, and reciprocating compression equipment.
• Review station layouts, process piping, compressor operating envelopes, system hydraulics, and compression-staging strategies.
• Provide technical direction regarding equipment redundancy, surge control, recirculation, overpressure protection, blowdown systems, and startup/shutdown sequencing.
• Review compressor controls, anti-surge systems, station automation, emergency shutdown systems, SCADA integration, and electric motor/VFD applications.
• Evaluate acoustical design and noise-mitigation measures, including enclosures, silencers, insulation, ventilation, and noise barriers.
• Support constructability reviews, modularization planning, crane and maintenance access, and future expansion considerations.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing, commissioning, startup, and performance testing.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, operations, commissioning teams, equipment suppliers, and contractors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in natural gas pipeline compression engineering or major gas-transmission infrastructure.
• Direct experience with centrifugal and reciprocating compressors and associated turbine- or engine-driven systems.
• Experience with equipment from manufacturers such as Solar Turbines, GE/Baker Hughes, and Caterpillar.
• Strong knowledge of compressor-station process design, pipeline hydraulics, surge control, performance analysis, pressure protection, and operational flexibility.
• Experience overseeing EPC contractors and third-party engineering firms.
• Familiarity with API 616, API 617, API 618, ASME B31.8, NFPA requirements, and PHMSA regulations.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license.
• Experience with interstate natural gas transmission systems and large-scale pipeline expansion projects.
• Knowledge of pipeline control-room operations and SCADA systems.
• Experience with compressor-station commissioning, startup, and performance testing.
• Background supporting both greenfield development and brownfield modernization projects.