Energy Management Engineer

Job Type:

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).

• Optimize and support operation of crude heating systems, including heater treaters, heat exchangers, and line heaters, ensuring efficient thermal performance and minimal fuel usage.

• Provide engineering support for gas plant processes, including compression, separation, stabilization, and vapor recovery systems.

• 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, Mechanical or 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 process equipment common to midstream operations, including crude heaters, heat exchangers, separators, stabilizers, compressors, and NGL recovery units.

• 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.

• Valid state driver's license and driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.

• Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment screening.

• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.

#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 WebCareers@Plains.com.

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. 

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