The System Design engineer is responsible for capacity management, operational support, and developing expansion designs for natural gas transmission systems utilizing pipeline hydraulic simulation models.

In this position, either directly or through others, the incumbent would have the following duties and responsibilities:

Pipeline Modeling

• Develop and maintain pipeline hydraulic simulation models to accurately represent the operations of natural gas transmission systems.

Capacity Management and Commercial Support

• Utilize pipeline hydraulic simulation models to determine steady state and transient seasonal pipeline system capacity, including available capacity based on existing contracted capacity.
• Supports the Commercial team in tracking and marketing system capacity.
• Work closely with Commercial and Contract Administration to review and approve new transportation service agreements.
• Supports Business Development with expansion opportunities by developing new pipeline and compression system designs that meet or exceed all commercial expectations.
• Update company Informational Postings with pipeline segment and receipt/delivery meter design capacities.

Operations Support

• Perform simulations of pipeline operations to identify and evaluate system configurations, compression selection, and facility modifications that result in improved system efficiency.
• Conduct operational studies at the request of Gas Control which can be used for decision support for daily natural gas transmission system operations.
• Perform simulations of pipeline operations to determine the capacity impact associated with maintenance activities on the pipeline system.
• Perform transient simulations in support of the implementation of Rupture Mitigation Valves (RMV) as required by the new PHMSA Valve Rule.

Regulatory Support

• Support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filings.
• Contribute to annual corporate reporting.
• Work with internal teams to optimize facility modifications and enhancements required to comply with new regulations.
• Develop horsepower utilization studies for Operations budget preparation.

General

• Maintain collaborative inter-departmental and cross-functional working relationships with all members of the department and with both office and field employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering with emphasis on fluid flow dynamics and/or thermodynamics. (may consider civil or electrical engineering degree based upon prior experience)

Experience:

We encourage both entry-level and experienced candidates to apply.  Relevant work experience in the oil and gas industry would include:

1. Experience with and knowledge of characteristics of compressible fluids and simulations of flow dynamics.
2. Experience with and knowledge of computer modeling of compression and fluid flow in pipelines.
3. Experience with the design, operation, maintenance and/or capital project support of natural gas compression facilities such as centrifugal and reciprocating compression, metering/regulation, and pipeline facilities.
4. Familiarity with relevant design codes such as 49 CFR Part 192.
5. Experience using DNV Synergi Gas, Gregg NextGen or other hydraulic modeling software.

Skill Requirements:

• Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Work Ethic: Proven ability to work independently with limited direct supervision and apply creative thinking to problem-solving.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office proficiency, VBA, SQL, Google Earth, GIS, SCADA and the ability to learn other programs quickly.

The job level will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and skill set.

The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

Kinder Morgan offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following:  health care benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible and Health Spending Accounts; Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance; Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance for employee and dependents; retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan; paid time off; paid holidays; a flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.

Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.