LNG Principal Mechanical Operations Engineer

#25-71557

Houston, Texas, USA

Job Category

Engineering

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-time

Job Description

Primary Purpose

The Principal Mechanical 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 Mechanical 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, troubleshoot and evaluate process systems and equipment in LNG plants. Understand regulatory implications and requirements of, and evaluate and improve LNG asset integrity programs, evaluate and troubleshooting rotating equipment, and cryogenic components and systems, 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 Mechanical Engineer expert resource to operating facilities and Sempra Infrastructure management. Evaluates and maintains rotating equipment. Analyzes equipment and system failure for systemic causes and recommend potential solutions for mitigation. Understands QA/QC techniques and their application to operations and maintenance of an active LNG facility. Observes and gauges operating facilities and provides unique insight and when necessary, develops and implements solutions to problems the facilities experience.
• Reviews operation and troubleshoots plant equipment, e.g., utility air and nitrogen systems, chemical storage and transport systems, etc. Troubleshoots outlier events including spurious trips and alarms.
• Manages and performs failure analysis and develop mitigation strategies based on results and communicate findings. Recommends and develops the principals of risk-based maintenance to a preventative maintenance program.
• Audits asset integrity management systems for compliance with regulations such as PHMSA 49CFR193, and FERC requirements.
• Reviews operating and maintenance procedures and philosophies for improved operation and safety. Reviews 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.
• Plans, implements 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 and manages scopes of work for technical studies.
• 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).
  
  

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent training and/or experience required. Master's degree is a plus.
  
  

Experience

• 12 years of experience in Energy or LNG Industry of which at least 4 years as specialist with Mechanical engineering discipline required.
• 10 years of experience having worked in a plant environment preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of mechanical equipment such as vessels, columns, heat exchangers including design, installation operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of structural platforms, piping, valves and insulation including design, installation operation and maintenance.
• Strong technical management abilities with effective project management and leadership skills, initiative, decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities to analyze data, identify issues, recommend, develop, and implement solutions.
• Must possess in-depth knowledge of construction techniques and practices used in the energy, natural gas and/or petroleum industries.
• 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.
• Understanding of operational and commercial aspects of LNG Facilities.
• 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point).
  
  

Other Qualifications

• Ability to travel to facilities outside the United States.