System Design Engineer

Kinder Morgan • Colorado Springs, CO

14h

About The Position

The System Design Engineer is responsible for capacity management, operational support, and developing expansion designs for natural gas transmission systems using pipeline hydraulic simulation models. The role develops and maintains models of pipeline operations, assesses system capacity and supports commercial transportation agreements and expansion opportunities. It also provides operational and regulatory support, including studies of pipeline configurations, compression, maintenance impacts, and compliance-related facility modifications. The job level will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and skill set.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, with emphasis on fluid flow dynamics and/or thermodynamics; a civil or electrical engineering degree may be considered based on prior experience.
• Knowledge of compressible-fluid characteristics and flow-dynamics simulations.
• Knowledge of computer modeling of compression and fluid flow in pipelines.
• Experience with the design, operation, maintenance, and/or capital project support of natural gas compression facilities, including centrifugal and reciprocating compression, metering/regulation, and pipeline facilities.
• Familiarity with relevant design codes, such as 49 CFR Part 192.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision and apply creative thinking to problem-solving.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office proficiency, VBA, SQL, Google Earth, and GIS, and ability to learn other programs quickly.
• Must clear a drug screen and complete a background check after receiving an offer and before employment.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant work experience in the oil and gas industry.
• Experience using DNV Synergi Gas, Gregg NextGen, or other hydraulic modeling software.
• Experience with natural gas transmission system design, operations, maintenance, or capital project support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain pipeline hydraulic simulation models that accurately represent natural gas transmission system operations.
• Use hydraulic models to determine steady-state and transient seasonal pipeline capacity, including capacity available after accounting for existing contracted capacity.
• Support the Commercial team in tracking and marketing system capacity.
• Work with Commercial and Contract Administration to review and approve new transportation service agreements.
• Support Business Development by designing pipeline and compression expansions that meet or exceed commercial expectations.
• Update company Informational Postings with pipeline segment and receipt/delivery meter design capacities.
• Simulate pipeline operations to evaluate system configurations, compression selection, and facility modifications that improve system efficiency.
• Conduct operational studies requested by Gas Control to support daily natural gas transmission system operations.
• Assess the capacity impacts of pipeline system maintenance activities through operational simulations.
• Perform transient simulations supporting implementation of Rupture Mitigation Valves as required by the PHMSA Valve Rule.
• Support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filings and contribute to annual corporate reporting.
• Work with internal teams to optimize facility modifications and enhancements needed to comply with new regulations.
• Develop horsepower utilization studies for Operations budget preparation.
• Maintain collaborative working relationships across departments and functions, including with office and field employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts.
• Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance.
• Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance for employees and dependents.
• Retirement benefits, including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Voluntary benefit plans.

What This Job Offers

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