Senior Associate, Integrity Engineer

Job Type:

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self-starters who thrive in fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

The Integrity Engineer helps develop, implement, administer, and continuously improve multiple tools, processes, and programs related to pipeline integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The Asset Integrity group works collaboratively across multiple organizations and assets located throughout the United States and Canada. This group also serves as the primary interface for regulatory agencies and industry groups including but not limited to: DOT/PHMSA - Office of Pipeline Safety, Texas Railroad Commission, Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Ministry of Energy and Resources (MER), American Petroleum Institute, and Pipeline Research Council International.

Job Responsibilities:

• Integrity Management Plan:
  • Supports the requirements of Plains’ Integrity Management Plan (IMP) with guidance from Manager, Integrity Engineering
  • Acts as Integrity point of contact to a specific Plains Operation Division
  • Provides input on new construction pipelines and due diligence to support Pipeline Integrity efforts
  • Participates in and supports internal and regulatory audits and prepares responses to information requests, findings, and corrective actions
  • Collaborates with teams across the organization to break down barriers to develop and achieve organizational goals.
• Conducts needs analysis:
  • Stays current with the pipeline regulations, industry standards, integrity assessment methods, repair methods, etc.
  • Gains exposure to industry organizations
  • Foresees the long-term positive and negative impacts and develops approaches for overcoming barriers
• Conducts Assessments, evaluations, and tracks metrics:
  • Interprets business partner needs and assesses requirements
  • Provides engineering support for pipeline integrity projects, assisting with major changes, determination of required hydrostatic test pressures, MOP/MAOP calculations, and evaluation of defects and recommending appropriate repairs based on analysis of In-Line Inspection (ILI) results
  • Performs ILI validation to ensure it meets the requirements
  • Identifies relevant integrity threats for pipelines and determines preventive and mitigative (P&M) measures, which include the re-assessment interval and re-assessment methods
  • Solves moderately complex problems
    • Takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions
  • Reviews relevant data to determine if broad initiatives are on track
  • Gathers and integrates necessary information to make definitive decisions within tight timeframes
  • Supports budgets and long-range plan development

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred; and 2-5 years of related experience in the following areas strongly preferred:
  • Interpretation of DOT/PHMSA regulations and standards
  • In-Line Inspection (ILI), dig selection and threat assessment
  • Identification and evaluation of preventive and mitigative (P&M) measures to manage pipeline risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and conform to company procedures
  • Inspection/testing, maintenance of pipeline(s)
  • Pipeline design/installation/fabrication
• Solid understanding of Risk Based asset integrity management and associated regulatory expectations
• Qualified to complete advanced activities, such as pressure cycling analysis, Integrity Management Plan (IMP) audits, failure analysis, incident investigation, fitness for service evaluation (e.g., corrosion, dents)
• Familiar with crack assessments on pipelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong team player
• Communicates effectively with Operations and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on assigned tasks and escalate issues appropriately
• Must be able to support the development of procedures, processes, and tools to increase work efficiency.

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top-tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting [email protected].

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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