Pipeline Compression Engineer
Pipeline Compression Engineer – Remote – Natural Gas Compression & Pipeline Hub Projects
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Pipeline Compression Engineer to serve as the technical lead and owner's engineering representative for natural gas pipeline compression facilities. This role supports major pipeline throughput expansion projects using turbine-driven centrifugal compression and reciprocating compression systems for pack-and-draft operations at major pipeline hubs.
You will provide technical oversight of external oil and gas engineering firms and hold final authority on key compression system design decisions, including redundancy philosophy, operating modes, surge control strategies, recirculation systems, overpressure protection, acoustics, construction logistics, and compressor building design.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with Solar and GE/Baker Hughes turbine compression systems, Caterpillar reciprocating engine systems, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, electric motor/VFD applications, and pipeline hub compression operations where multiple pipelines are brought to a common transmission pressure.
What You'll Do
- Lead technical evaluation and oversight of new natural gas compression station projects supporting pipeline throughput expansion and pack-and-draft operations.
- Provide owner's engineering review of EPC and third-party engineering contractor deliverables, including compressor station layouts, piping systems, operating philosophies, and mechanical system designs.
- Support compression facilities that aggregate and balance gas flow from multiple interstate and intrastate pipelines to common operating pressures, evaluating system hydraulics, operating flexibility, and compression staging strategies.
- Provide final technical input on compressor selection and sizing, redundancy philosophy and unit sparing, surge control systems, recirculation loops, suction/discharge piping, overpressure protection, blowdown systems, and station startup/shutdown sequencing.
- Lead review of compressor station acoustical design and noise mitigation strategies, ensuring designs minimize community noise impacts and meet regulatory requirements.
- Support project execution planning and construction logistics for greenfield and brownfield compression projects, reviewing constructability, modularization, crane access, maintenance access, and future expansion capability.
- Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site commissioning, startup, and performance testing, coordinating with operations, construction, and commissioning teams.
- Review compressor control philosophies including anti-surge control, unit sequencing, station automation, emergency shutdown systems (ESD), and SCADA integration, and provide technical oversight for electric motor and VFD applications.
Must-Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in natural gas pipeline compression engineering or major gas transmission infrastructure projects.
- Direct experience with Solar gas turbine compression systems, GE/Baker Hughes compression systems, Caterpillar reciprocating engine systems, centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, pipeline hub compression operations, and pack-and-draft compression systems.
- Experience overseeing third-party engineering firms and EPC contractors.
- Strong understanding of compressor station process design, pipeline hydraulics, surge control systems, compressor performance analysis, overpressure protection systems, industrial acoustics and noise mitigation, and pipeline operational flexibility and throughput optimization.
- Familiarity with API 617, API 618, API 616, ASME B31.8, NFPA requirements, and PHMSA regulations.
Preferred Skills
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Experience supporting interstate natural gas transmission systems and large-scale pipeline expansion projects.
- Knowledge of pipeline control room operations and SCADA systems.
- Experience with compressor station commissioning and startup operations.
Why Join Us
This is a 12-month contract opportunity offering remote flexibility and a competitive pay depending on experience. You will work on high-impact pipeline expansion and compression projects, collaborating with a team that values technical excellence, safety, and operational reliability.
Apply Now
If you are a seasoned Pipeline Compression Engineer ready to take on a technical leadership role with a major impact, we encourage you to apply today.