Direct Assessment Integrity Engineer

Position Description

Description

This role will support the DA Specialist in providing technical support and oversight to the Field Integrity Engineering for ECDA, ICDA (rarely), and SCCDA projects for Kinder Morgan natural gas and hazardous liquids pipelines. The DA Integrity Engineer will perform pre-assessment, analyze indirect inspections, select direct examination digs, review results and perform post-assessment, and write reports for direct assessment projects.

The Operations Support Group (OSG) Corrosion Control department includes 10 corrosion engineers/specialists plus this new role reporting to the Manager-Corrosion Control. OSG Corrosion Control provides support for corrosion control activities across KM's approximately 83,000 miles of pipelines and 141 terminals.

Kinder Morgan offers competitive wages, 401(k) savings plan, retirement plan, comprehensive medical/Rx and dental plans, paid time off, paid holidays, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a bonus program.

Job Description

• Provide technical support and guidance for Direct Assessment integrity projects managed by the Field Integrity Engineering department as a subject matter expert on regulatory requirements, AMPP (formerly NACE and SSPC) and ASME standards incorporated by reference, and Company standards and procedures, including O&M, construction standards, and material requirements related to corrosion control.
• Access data from corrosion control software such as American Innovations PCS/CPDM, company document management and database record management and GIS software, to perform project pre-assessments.
• Review, integrate and interpret data including annual cathodic protection surveys, close interval surveys, coating condition surveys including AC attenuation, DCVG, ACVG, pipe and coating characteristics, GIS data, and inline inspection data to characterize and prioritize indications and select locations for direct examination.
• Review results of direct examinations, calculate reassessment intervals, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Develop metrics from ongoing projects for monthly status reporting.
• Review scopes-of-work, procedures, and specifications for projects such as close-interval surveys, coating condition surveys, atmospheric inspections, and other field surveys to ensure they meet all requirements and are technically sound, effective and efficient.
• Perform corrosion control failure analysis to determine root-cause working in conjunction with company metallurgists and laboratory personnel, and develop remediation plans.

Position Requirements

Education

• Minimum of BS in an Engineering discipline education, with experience and working knowledge of Direct Assessment for pipelines.

Competencies/Skills

• Ability to effectively and efficiently perform job description requirements including those identified above.
• Advanced computer skills, familiar with integrated data development and analysis. Familiarity with American Innovations PCS/CPDM and GIS systems is a plus.
• Demonstrate a high level of technical expertise for evaluating above-ground survey results including close-interval survey, DCVG, ACVG, and AC attenuation.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of applicable Federal and State pipeline safety regulations, including Title 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart O, Part 195 Subpart O and industry standards incorporated by reference including ASME B31.8S, AMPP SP0502, SP0204 and SP0206.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Position requires working with various management levels and departments to achieve reliability results. Accomplished public speaking skills in formal situations for large audiences. Must have excellent writing skills with the ability to write clear and concise technical reports, procedures, specifications, and work instructions.
• This position requires a high level of analytical skills. Familiarity with root cause analysis for problem resolution techniques is a plus. Ability to make informed decisions involving pipeline remediation/repair, coating systems, budgets, and broad program initiatives for corrosion control.
• Individual must be a self-starter and have a demonstrated ability to work without direct supervision.
• Should have proven project management skills: must be able to prioritize multiple projects for different internal customers simultaneously, exceptional planning and scheduling abilities, and good communications skills. The position also requires the ability to serve as a project team member and as a leader.
• Must be able to complete tasks and assignments in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The role includes a continual commitment to safety and the environment.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and good driving record.
• The job position will be in the Kinder Morgan Houston headquarters located downtown at 1001 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas.

Work Conditions

• Must be willing and able to work in an office environment.
• Occasional travel to other field or corporate locations may be required depending on nature of ongoing work activities (typically 15% or less but may be higher depending on work requirements.)
• Availability for work outside normal hours.
• Must be willing and able to carry a cell phone and respond as needed.
• Subject to drug testing program.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with applicable industry organization standards and recommended practices such as AMPP, API, ASME, etc.
• Knowledge of general pipeline operations standards, practices and procedures.
• Experience writing and revising standards or procedures.
• Knowledge of various types of below-grade and atmospheric coatings, their properties and application standards (historical and present).
• Detailed understanding of various methods of pipeline integrity assessment methods, including an understanding of pressure testing and in-line inspection technologies and experience evaluating in-line inspection surveys.
• Knowledge of non-destructive testing methods and assessing remaining strength using RSTRENG or KAPA.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies such as PHMSA and related state agencies.
• Higher-level applicable industry certifications such as AMPP Cathodic Protection Specialist or Technologist, Integrity Management Technician or Technologist, and Internal Corrosion Technologist.

Primary Location

Texas - Houston Headquarters downtown

Organization

OSG Pipeline Integrity Department

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.