Flow Assurance Research Technician (Upstream)

JOB SUMMARY

The ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company is seeking a laboratory research technician to provide laboratory support to research and technical staff in the area of flow assurance and fluid properties. The position will be located at ExxonMobil’s Friendswood Test Facilities site (Friendswood, TX), working within laboratories for applied Flow Assurance and Fluid Properties testing. The role will involve working within an interdisciplinary team on technology development and laboratory testing focused on assisting global projects and operating assets in managing flow assurance challenges.

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  Work in a team environment while independently preparing samples and executing procedures for flow assurance and fluid properties testing and analysis
• Interpret/analyze data and provide insights to researchers, affiliates and customers
• Maintain high standards for safety and data quality
• Collaborate and problem solve with researchers
• Maintain lab facilities and equipment
  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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  Highly experienced with hydrocarbon fluid sampling and preparation as it relates to flow assurance and fluid properties lab testing
• Demonstrates expertise and strong working knowledge of standard testing and analytical techniques relevant to flow assurance and fluid properties research such as Rheology, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Cross Polar Microscopy, Pour Point Testing, and Emulsion Testing
• Conducts performance testing on various types of flow assurance chemicals such as wax inhibitors, drag reducing agents, anti-agglomerates, etc.
• Supports specialized Flow Assurance/Fluid Properties testing using custom designed equipment (e.g. flow loops, high pressure fluid charging/sampling units, etc.)
• Performs lab management activities including equipment maintenance/calibration/troubleshooting, service and repair coordination, and maintaining stock of consumable materials and supplies
• Competent in the management and coordination of considerable amounts of field samples entering the laboratory
• Adheres to established laboratory safety processes and standards to maintain safe lab operations at all times
  

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

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  Research Program Initialization: Collaborate with senior technical staff and researchers to develop objectives and test programs/workflows. This involves a willingness to actively engage technical staff and researchers, collaborate with them and learn the various test methods to assist in developing the plan associated with the research program.
• Testing: Operate experiments outlined in the research program safely. Effectively communicate any immediate observations to the research staff for rapid adjustments. Flexibility is required, as much of the testing performed is unique research, and results are not always anticipated.
• Troubleshooting: Able to determine issues with equipment or workflows, and collaborate within the team to develop and implement innovative solutions. Must have the ability to work hands on with lab equipment and related utilities.
• Data Analysis and Quality: Assist research staff with data collection, quality checks, and data input/extraction. Perform pre- and post test data analysis and interpretation including generating standard or customized reports, plots, and graphs. Provide insights to research staff through the data analysis.
• Communication Skills: High level of written and verbal communication for both training and updates of technical work. Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with people with diverse skill-sets and backgrounds.
• Safety: Ability to incorporate safety values into all aspects of work, and willingness to contribute to our safety culture.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

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  Education: 4-year college degree in chemistry or relevant engineering field is desired
• Technical & Laboratory Experience: A minimum of 1 year of industry laboratory experience in flow assurance and/or fluid properties is required, with proven track record of delivering high quality and quantity of technical test results to customers.
• Computing and Information Technology: Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.