LNG Principal Process Operations Engineer - Houston, TX

Primary Purpose

The Principal Process Engineer is a subject Matter Expert (SME) on the LNG Operations Service Team providing technical expertise to Sempra Infrastructure's operating facilities and those under development.

Acting as part of a shared service team supporting Sempra Infrastructure and implementing Sempra's Guiding Principles, the Principal Process Engineer SME must have the ability to understand the integrated LNG liquefaction value chain and navigate through the constraints of operating facilities. Using their skills and insights to support, assist, measure, troubleshoot, improve, develop, etc., they will be enablers of Operational Excellence throughout Sempra Infrastructure's LNG assets.

Key broad areas of expertise will include hazard mitigation strategies for process safety, plant control systems including complex control loop evaluation and implementation, change management, natural gas pretreatment and LNG Liquefaction including integrated process analysis and modeling, process troubleshooting, historian data mining, troubleshooting, assist in turnaround and turnaround planning, etc., and being able to effectively share and communicate that expertise to a diverse workforce, in the context of a customer driven shared services organization supporting the commercial goals of a world class LNG Export operation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a technical Process Control operational expert resource to operating facilities and Sempra Infrastructure management. Reviews complex control loops in DCS, PLC, and other control systems and transmit detailed information to operations personnel in an actionable format.
• Identifies and provides mitigation for process bottlenecks and instabilities, including determining root causes. Observes and gauges operating facilities and provide unique insight and when necessary, develops and implements solutions to problems the facilities experience.
• Troubleshoots outlier events including spurious trips and alarms. Reviews operating and maintenance procedures and philosophies for improved operation and safety, in addition to review P&ID's, Safety Matrices, Cause and Effect Matrices, etc., as necessary to assure readability, accuracy, consistency, etc., and develops simplified versions as may be necessary for supporting operational needs.
• Leads and provides technical training support for operations and maintenance as related to the liquefaction processes. Champions the adoption on Best Practices across operating facilities including practical safe work practices including effective LOTO & MOC practices. Develops scopes of work for technical studies.
• Manages third parties, vendors, consultants and subcontractors in the development of process-related studies and evaluation of equipment performance, site/performance test calculations/recommendations and in the review of appropriate documentation for turnover.
• Participates in the development of Sempra Infrastructure LNG and associated assets. Participates on PHA teams.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or designated engineering discipline required. Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

• 12+ years of prior experience in a comparable role within the energy or LNG industry required.
• 10+ years of experience having worked in a plant environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the industry trade groups and organizations and monitor industry events and trends that may affect Sempra Infrastructure LNG assets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry codes (API, NFPA, ASTM, etc.) and regulations (FERC, PHMSA) and standards and advises on use and applicability.
• Knowledge with applications used for historizing data. HMI's, DCS, PLC, in addition to model processes using Aspen HYSYS.
• Understanding of operational and commercial aspects of LNG Facilities.
• Ability to conduct economic analysis, engineering specification, review and analysis.
• Knowledge of process related schedule planning and risk management.
• Ability to manage and provide guidance to personnel with varied duties related to LNG Facilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while achieving corporate and project goals.
• Ability to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and effective manner, including in-person, telephone, and E-mail.
• Ability to work independently and function with limited supervision.
• Ability to coach and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point).

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel to facilities outside the United States.

Note: The Company strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

Sempra Infrastructure offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.