Vice President - Engineering Capital Projects

Tallgrass•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Vice President – Capital Projects Engineering is a key executive leader responsible for overseeing all engineering activities related to capital projects across the organization. This role drives the strategic direction, design, and execution of engineering initiatives to meet company objectives, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards. The VP will build and lead a high-performing engineering team, foster innovation, and collaborate closely with operational and commercial stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes. Additionally, this role is responsible for establishing and maintaining standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and engineering business strategies that support consistent, efficient, and scalable delivery of projects globally.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering within capital projects, preferably in oil & gas or energy sectors.
Proven success managing engineering teams and delivering large-scale, complex capital projects on time and within budget.
Strong knowledge of engineering principles, project management, and regulatory requirements relevant to midstream oil & gas and energy infrastructure.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Expertise in project scoping, estimating, scheduling, cost control, procurement, and permitting.
Experience developing and implementing SOPs and business strategies for engineering functions supporting global projects.
Ability to analyze technical and financial data to support decision-making.
Proficiency with project management and engineering software tools.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Commitment to safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance.
Must be able to deal effectively with people and resolve conflicts and problems.
Must possess well-developed interpersonal skills to manage, lead and direct Tallgrass and third-party personnel.
Able to analyze financial and cost data and develop conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to accept direction from others, work effectively and cooperatively with others.
Must possess strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills with both company and contract employees.
Must be goal-orientated, self-motivated and able to work independently.
Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Well-balanced interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communications skills are required.
Must be a problem-solver with the ability to find resolutions.
Must be flexible and able to work effectively in a team environment and consistently maintain a professional and respectful demeanor/attitude with co-workers, clients, vendors and regulatory agencies.
Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.
Current and active PE licensing.
Registered professional engineer.
Training in project management software and techniques including project scoping and estimating utilizing work breakdown structures, cost and schedule control systems, design and construction management, team building, resource planning, procurement, and permitting is a plus.
Knowledge of natural gas and oil pipeline, plant and pump station operations.
Experience with FERC pipeline projects.

Responsibilities

Lead the engineering function for capital projects, from initial design through execution and commissioning.
Develop and implement engineering strategies, systems, and controls that align with company goals and industry best practices.
Establish, maintain, and continuously improve standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all engineering activities globally.
Drive the development and execution of engineering business strategies that support scalable and efficient project delivery across multiple regions and business units.
Build, develop, and manage a skilled engineering team capable of delivering complex capital projects.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to ensure engineering solutions meet operational needs and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, project management, procurement, and safety to ensure integrated project delivery.
Oversee project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning to optimize project performance.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, regulators, and industry partners.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Champion a culture of safety, integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the engineering organization.
Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on engineering performance, project status, risks, and opportunities.
Mentor and develop engineering staff, fostering professional growth and succession planning.