Underground Natural Gas Storage Corrosion Engineer/Senior Corrosion Engineer (Hybrid Schedule) - Kinder Morgan

Description

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 82,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and more. Our terminals store and handle renewable fuels, petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils and other products. At Kinder Morgan, we take pride in providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of people, communities and businesses who depend on it. Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We are committed to public safety, protecting the environment and operating our facilities in compliance with industry rules and regulations. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.

The responsibilities for this role include providing corrosion engineering, technical support, direction and oversight for the Company’s corrosion control program supporting underground natural gas storage field pipeline assets. This position is part of KM’s Operations Support Group (OSG) Corrosion Control department that includes 11 corrosion engineers/specialists reporting to the Manager-Corrosion Control, supporting corrosion control activities across all of Kinder Morgan.

This position has the opportunity to work a hybrid work schedule with Monday through Wednesday in the office and Thursday and Friday remotely. This position also has the opportunity to work a traditional schedule or a flexible work schedule with 9-hour workdays Monday through Thursday and either half day Fridays or every other Friday off.

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

• This role supports Operations in managing corrosion on piping (not including well casings) in Kinder Morgan’s twenty-six natural gas storage fields. Operations (corrosion technicians and corrosion supervisors) are responsible for performing the corrosion control monitoring and mitigation tasks, this role would provide support for those tasks.
• Support and oversee consistent application of Company procedures in the Company’s storage field pipeline corrosion control program within the Natural Gas Pipelines business unit.
• Provide a high level of technical expertise and problem-solving to support the field-based corrosion supervisors and corrosion technicians for complex corrosion control issues such as complex internal corrosion control systems, including site specific reviews or complex cathodic protection systems.
• Provide support for the corrosion related technical problems of operations, project engineering and engineering design.
• Provide technical support and guidance for Direct Assessment integrity projects, erosion assessment projects, and other inspections managed by the Field Integrity Engineering department.
• Provide technical support for corrosion control software such as American Innovations PCS/CPDM and company internal corrosion control database software.
• Support corrosion supervisors and corrosion technicians as a subject matter expert on Company standards and procedures, including O&M, construction standards, and material requirements related to corrosion control.
• Review and provide feedback on remedial action mitigation plans resulting from in-line inspections, cathodic protection surveys, close interval surveys, and internal corrosion inspections to assist in assuring development of cost effective solutions consistent with corporate philosophy.
• Provide subject-matter expertise where needed to Operations for developing scopes and reviewing results of complex projects such as station ultrasonic thickness monitoring surveys and other field surveys, mitigation of natural gas with corrosive constituents and liquids including storage and gathering facilities, data interpretation and engineering analysis, internal corrosion mitigation system design and monitoring, and mitigation of microbiological-influenced corrosion.
• Provide subject-matter expertise where needed to Operations to make informed decisions involving corrosion mitigation requirements, such as corrosion treatment chemical selection, coatings, cathodic protection, corrosion-resistant materials selection, and internal corrosion monitoring technologies such as coupons, probes, liquid and solid sampling.
• Provide subject-matter expertise where needed in communications with DOT and state regulatory agencies and in corporate audits.
• Perform corrosion control failure analysis to determine root-cause working in conjunction with company metallurgists and laboratory personnel, and develop remediation plans.
• Evaluate and provide specifications for new corrosion control equipment, material, and software.

Position Requirements

Education

• Minimum of BS in an Engineering or Science discipline, optimally with at least 10 years of in-depth corrosion control experience and working knowledge of natural gas storage field operations, but other levels of experience may be considered.

Competencies/Skills

• Ability to effectively and efficiently perform job description requirements including those identified above.
• 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 corrosion monitoring, chemical mitigation 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.
• Assure quality, accurate and timely completion of all individual and group deliverables including timely completion of all requirements in related standards, procedures, policies goals, objectives and internal and external customer requests.
• Work well in a team environment including interaction and collaboration with management, peers and subordinates in an open and positive setting that demonstrates receptiveness to ideas and appropriate flexibility.
• 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.
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), focus attention on details, follow work rules, and adhere to work schedules.
• Possess advanced computer skills, familiar with integrated data development and analysis.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of applicable Federal and State pipeline safety regulations, including Title 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart I.
• Provide support as requested to help the Pipeline Integrity Group and the company reach its mission and objectives.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers.
• 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 less than 10% 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 background check and Company drug testing program.
• Extended periods of sitting may be required for administrative activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing all phases of corrosion control and demonstrated continuing responsibility implementing corrosion control programs in the gas or liquids pipeline industry including but not limited to cathodic protection and internal corrosion.
• Familiarity with applicable industry organization standards and recommended practices such as AMPP, SSPC, API, ASME, etc.
• Knowledge of general pipeline operations standards, practices and procedures.
• Experience writing and revising standards or procedures.
• 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.
• Experience with CP testing in storage fields including current demand calculation, E-log-I testing, DC stray current interference testing, and well casing CP current balancing.
• Knowledge of non-destructive testing methods.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies such as PHMSA or related state agencies.
• Higher-level related industry certifications such as AMPP (formerly NACE International) Specialist.
• Advanced computer skills.

Primary Location

Texas – Houston Headquarters located downtown at 1001 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas

Organization

OSG Pipeline Integrity Department, Corrosion Control group

*Position may be filled at various levels depending on experience and job skills of the successful candidate*

 The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  This position may perform other duties as assigned.

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.