Leak Detection Engineer
Western Midstream
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: The Woodlands • Texas • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
Mid-LevelSenior
About the role
- Develop, implement and maintain the company’s Leak Detection Program (LDP) in accordance with DOT PHMSA requirements, company policies, and industry standards (API 1130, API 1175, etc.)
- Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory audits, inspections, and documentation related to leak detection compliance
- Prepare and maintain program documentation, including procedures, performance metrics, testing protocols, and annual evaluations of leak detection systems
- Track, analyze, and report leak detection system performance, response effectiveness, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to leadership, recommending improvements when necessary
- Provide engineering expertise and project leadership for the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of leak detection technologies
- Collaborate with SCADA, Control Room, Automation, Operations and IT/OT teams to integrate leak detection capabilities into control systems and enterprise data platforms
- Evaluate and recommend system enhancements, software tools, or analytical techniques to enhance leak detection sensitivity, reliability, alarm quality, and response time
- Perform system tuning, data validation, and performance testing to ensure optimal operation of leak detection algorithms, instrumentation, and communication infrastructure
- Act as a technical consultant to management and operations teams regarding leak detection technologies, control room procedures, and emergency response coordination
- Support the Remote Operations Center (ROC) team by ensuring operators are trained and familiar with leak detection alerts, thresholds, and response protocols
- Participate in risk assessments, root-cause analyses, and incident investigations to identify improvement opportunities in leak detection systems, procedures, and overall program effectiveness
- Lead or participate in projects focused on enhancing leak detection reliability, automation, and data analytics.
- Support the implementation of API 1175 performance-based leak detection management systems through collaboration with Operations, Integrity, SCADA, and other cross-functional teams.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in pipeline operations, control systems, flow assurance or leak detection engineering
- Experience with PHMSA-regulated pipeline operations (liquid or gas) and familiarity with 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195
- Working knowledge of API 1130, API 1175, and API 1165
- Must be self-motivated and able to work both collaboratively and independently
- Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment with strong analytical and time management skills
- Strong initiative to work efficiently with accurate results
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, instrumentation, and SCADA systems
- Proficiency with leak detection software, Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM), real-time transient models (RTTM), and pipeline simulation tools
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and interface with cross-functional teams
- Strong documentation and report-writing skills for regulatory and internal audiences.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development opportunities
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
leak detection engineeringpipeline operationscontrol systemsflow assurancefluid dynamicsinstrumentationdata validationperformance testinganalytical techniquessystem tuning
Soft skills
self-motivatedcollaborativeindependentexcellent written communicationexcellent verbal communicationanalytical skillstime managementstrong initiativeproblem-solvingdocumentation skills
Certifications
API 1130API 1175API 1165DOT PHMSA compliance