Process Optimization Engineer Intern

Western Midstream • The Woodlands, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Optimization Engineering (POE) Intern supports the POE team in improving the performance, reliability, and profitability of gas gathering, compression, saltwater disposal, and oil treating facilities across West Texas Delaware Basin assets. The intern assists engineers with operating data analysis, hydraulic and process model support, and capital project economics, gaining hands-on exposure to midstream oil and gas operations, field facilities, and data-driven optimization tools.

The role uses a hybrid work schedule: Monday–Thursday are 9-hour days and Friday is a 4-hour day, with occasional flexibility for business needs. The employer reserves the right to change the employee’s schedule if required by operations. Travel is 0–10%, primarily for occasional field familiarization visits to gathering, compression, and facility sites in the Delaware Basin in West Texas.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited university pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency in AI tools such as Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with Operations, HSSE, and Engineering teams.
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions that would prohibit driving a company vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or academic exposure to fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, or process engineering.
• Familiarity with data analysis or visualization tools.
• Exposure to or interest in hydraulic modeling software such as Synergi, PIPESIM, or OLGA, or gas compression simulation tools such as Ariel Performance; not required.
• Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum Engineering is preferred, though other engineering disciplines may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist Process Optimization Engineers in monitoring and analyzing daily gathering, compression, and facility operating data to support safe, compliant, and profitable operations.
• Assist with data compilation, process simulation inputs, and economic calculations supporting capital project recommendations for safety, environmental compliance, and profitability.
• Support monitoring of compression, treating, and gathering equipment performance using SCADA and data historian tools such as Seeq.
• Participate as an observer or contributor in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and Management of Change (MOC) reviews.
• Help prepare summaries, presentations, and documentation to communicate findings to Operations, HSSE, and Engineering stakeholders.
• Learn and help drive process improvement initiatives across the POE team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern