Plant Operations Engineer

Hilcorp Energy Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Hilcorp Energy Company in Houston, TX seeks a Process Engineer to support gas processing plants in the U.S. Lower 48.

You will analyze operational problems, propose value‑enhancing projects, and coordinate with Integrity Management and Asset Teams to deliver safe, reliable operations. Responsibilities include creating heat and material balances, performing hydraulic simulations, sizing relief devices, and leading PHAs.

Qualifications

• 4+ years oil & gas/process engineering experience.
• 2+ years direct plant operations engineering experience.
• Solid understanding of Process Safety Management and PHAs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational problems and propose optimal engineering solutions.
• Provide design engineering, scope, timelines and cost estimates for projects.
• Coordinate with operations, vendors, and external resources to execute scope.

Skills

Process engineering

HYSYS

ProMax

P&ID knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license desirable

Tools

ASME

API

NFPA

Job description

Job Objective:Provide engineering support to Plant Operations and Asset Teams for Hilcorp’s gas processing plants in the L48. Provides engineering analysis of operational problems and then identifies and proposes value-enhancing projects. Coordinates with the Integrity Management team on integrity inspections, assessments and risk mitigation projects/programs. Provides full range of engineering & technical support to the Asset teams for new project development and execution.Essential Job Responsibilities:Regularly interacts with plant operations leadership and personnel to analyze operational problems, develop alternatives and recommend optimal solutionsSeeks out and identifies opportunities to optimize systems, save costs, improve operations, and maximize operating performance & valueProvides design engineering, scope development, timelines and cost estimates for expense and capital projects that enhance operability, profitability, and efficiency as well as growth capital projectsCoordinates construction personnel to ensure execution on desired scope of workManages plant upgrade and modification projects to completion.Manages outside resources (engineering, project management, vendors, etc.) as needed.Analyzes and optimizes natural gas processing plant recoveriesParticipates or leads PHAs for processing facilities and is responsible for identifying projects to address PHA recommendations and findingsProvide plant engineering support for all L48 plants and processing facilities, be the subject matter expert / liaison for processing facilities that they own and operateCreate heat & material balances for processes for both existing and new designsPerform hydraulic simulations of pressures and flow rates through pipelines transporting oil, NGLs or natural gasSize and specify relief devices for both gas and liquids with an understanding of the theory/calculations associated with relief valve sizing and overpressure scenariosPerform overall relief and flare system evaluationsTrouble-shoot operational issues at gas processing plants, sulfur recovery unit, and compressor stations and develop recommendations.Works in coordination with the commercial team in new growth project development, providing iterations and various options for initial feasibility designs & cost estimatesMay assist with due diligence work on assets proposed to be acquired by Hilcorp, including participating in data rooms, conducting field reviews and observationsEnsures the execution of assigned projects with quality workmanship, on-time, on-budget in accordance with the proposed scope of workOther Job Responsibilities:Meet with various local, state and federal agencies regarding assigned projects as neededPresent information at our field monthly update meetings on overall company performance and trendsAssist in incident response efforts and investigations as requiredQualifications:Four (4) years minimum oil and gas /process engineering experienceTwo (2) years minimum of direct plant operations engineering experienceWorking knowledge and understanding of Process Safety Management and Process Hazard Analysis and able to perform engineering function for PHA’s for process facilitiesPossess a solid understanding of plant equipment such as compressors, pumps, piping, vessels, gas treating and processing equipment, fractionation, flares, etc.Experienced and proficient with process modeling programs such as HYSYS and ProMax.Experienced and knowledgeable in industry codes and standards such as ASME, API, NFPA, etc.Adhere to Hilcorp’s Core Values (Integrity, Urgency, Ownership, Alignment, and Innovation)Ability to approach job assignments with urgency and apply sound engineering judgement and diligenceAbility to work with operations teams and develop effective working relationships across the organizationAbility to maintain a positive, professional and solutions-oriented approach with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials, and the publicAbility to communicate effectively and share ideasAbility to complete multiple, diverse tasks of differing priorities.Willing to travel 25% of the time and more if required for project or turnaround support.Education Requirements:Required: Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from an accredited university (Preferably Mechanical or Chemical Engineering)Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:Professional Engineer license desirable