Engineering Manager - Natural Gas Operations

Engineering Manager Natural Gas Operations

Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure. Orbital Engineering has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions. Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Manager Natural Gas Operations to support our Midwest Region Utility Gas Distribution Design Services team in Hammond, IN. This role is focused on supporting client projects related to natural gas operations, ensuring efficient system design, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity.

Position Summary:

The Engineering Manager Natural Gas Operations will oversee natural gas utility projects, collaborating with Construction and Design Managers to ensure seamless execution. This role requires expertise in natural gas distribution operations, regulatory knowledge, and a strong ability to manage technical teams and project scopes.

Responsibilities:

Operations Project Management

• Oversee and support natural gas distribution operation in various operational projects, ensuring alignment with industry regulations and best practices.
• Solid understanding from Point of delivery to small residential customers.
• Provide consulting expertise on system reliability, infrastructure maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Manage multiple projects across different operational disciplines, including pipeline maintenance, integrity programs, facility upgrades, emergency response planning, and engineering evaluation/program development.
• Support project execution by coordinating with client teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure seamless implementation.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to natural gas utilities, providing strategic guidance on operational challenges and infrastructure improvements.
• Facilitate collaboration between client engineering, construction, and field operations teams to drive efficiency and consistency in project execution.
• Lead meetings, presentations, and reporting to communicate project progress, key milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Assist clients in maintaining compliance with 49 CFR Part 192, state regulations, and utility-specific operational standards.
• Provide expertise on pipeline integrity management, safety programs, and environmental permitting.
• Ensure all operational projects align with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, minimizing risk and maintaining public safety.

Resource & Budget Oversight

• Manage project budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of client and company resources.
• Optimize project workflows, balancing technical execution with cost-effectiveness and regulatory timelines.
• Lead internal teams to support client needs, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry trends.

Continuous Improvement & Industry Best Practices

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiencies, and technology advancements in natural gas distribution operations.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory updates, and emerging technologies to enhance client solutions.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and team development to strengthen Orbital s consulting expertise.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline).
• 10 years of experience in natural gas distribution engineering, system operations, or related technical fields.
• Strong understanding of CFR 192 compliance, system hydraulics, construction means/methods, natural gas operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, and pipeline modeling software.
• This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Experience with SCADA systems, pipeline integrity programs, and gas distribution design optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage field operations, engineering teams, and regulatory compliance.

Career Development & Growth:

• Opportunities for advancement to Senior Manager of Engineering, Regional Engineering Director, or VP of Operations.
• Access to leadership training programs and cross-functional collaboration with Operations and Construction teams.
• Ability to influence company-wide process improvements and engineering best practices.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and field work, including site visits for program support, design validation.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions (heat, cold, inclement weather) and industrial environments.
• Adherence to strict safety protocols and use of PPE in field environments.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D. Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

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