Hydraulics Engineer

Tetra Tech Inc. is seeking a Hydraulics Engineer to be based in our Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, Casper, WY, or Houston, TX office. This position provides technical hydraulic engineering support for pipelines, pump stations, and terminal/tank projects nationwide.

About the Role

You will participate in a multi-disciplinary project team, bringing design engineering and technical expertise to a team of established consultants with a proven track record of 40+ years in the Oil & Gas Industry. The primary role includes steady state and transient hydraulic analysis of liquid (oil, refined products, NGL, dense phase CO2, and water) pipeline systems using dedicated hydraulics analysis software (Synergi Pipeline Simulator or Applied Flow Technology). Advanced training in these programs will be made available.

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, improving more than 625 million lives globally.

Responsibilities

• Perform pipeline hydraulics (steady state & transient analysis) under general direction.
• Organize and review drawings, elevations data, pump curves, fluid properties (vapor pressure, density, viscosity, bulk modulus), valve curves and closure times, maximum operating pressure (MOP) limitations, and build hydraulic models in Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) or Applied Flow Technology (AFT).
• Program steady state operating scenarios and tune hydraulics models with historical operating data.
• Assist with pump sizing, selection, and control philosophy (pressure control valve and/or variable frequency drive).
• Program transient cases (pump startup/shutdown, pump trips, inadvertent valve closures) and complete analysis of results; make required system adjustments and compile recommendations.
• Assist with relief valve selection and disposal system sizing.
• Participate in internal and external review meetings to present and discuss status, results, and collaborate on solutions/recommendations.
• Prepare formal reports to document studies.
• Perform facility hydraulics (steady state) modeling, including organizing and reviewing drawings (line losses), elevations data, pump curves, fluid properties, and building hydraulic models in Applied Flow Technology (AFT).
• Complete tank booster or transfer pump net positive suction head available versus required calculations.
• Complete truck loading/unloading hydraulic modeling and respective pump sizing and control review for operating points, minimum continuous stable flow, and dead head.
• Assist with meter sizing.
• Conduct field investigations and gather applicable data to support detailed engineering and design for both greenfield sites and the upgrade, modification, and expansion of existing infrastructure.
• May be required to seal engineering drawings and calculations as the engineer of record.

Requirements

• B.S. in ABET-accredited Engineering program with 3-8 years of relevant experience.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).
• Willing to attain PE licensure.
• Pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
• Strong understanding of applicable engineering standards (ASME B31.4 & B31.3), industry standards (API), and regulations (CFR 195).

Qualifications

• 1-5 years of relevant experience with hydraulic modeling software: Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) preferred or Applied Flow Technology (AFT) Fathom and Impulse.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics (steady state and transient), pump and motor sizing and selection, pump control (pressure control valve and variable frequency drives), and process relief systems (rupture pins, rupture discs, conventional spring relief, balanced bellows relief, and nitrogen relief system).
• Experience applying regulatory (CFR 195) and industry standard (API) requirements.
• Preferred experience coordinating with client SMEs/stakeholders and offsite team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to dissect problems and quickly develop solutions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft suite of products.
• Knowledge in the Midstream Oil & Gas industry.
• Experience in pipeline and facility control methods.
• PE licensure or NCEES record.
• Completion of coursework, certificate, or formal instruction in dedicated hydraulic modeling software.
• Gas compression experience.
• Experience with AutoDesk software or other 3D design platforms.

Pay

Target salary range: $90,000 to $120,000. Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position.
• In-office role based in Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, or Casper, WY.
• Travel: Up to 10%.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription.
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long & Short-Term Disability.
  • Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending.
• Financial Benefits:
  • Group Term Life, Optional Group Term Life Insurance.
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance.
  • Health Savings Account, 401K, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Time Off with Pay, Employee Assistance Program, Adoption Assistance, Leaves of Absence.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms.
• Constant use of hands to keyboard or type, handle materials, or manipulate objects.
• Light work that includes lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds and, occasionally, up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently moving about to accomplish tasks.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Requires composure and ability to prioritize and handle several urgent tasks and requests simultaneously with a high level of competence and accuracy.
• Occasionally climbing stairs and ladders to read meters at active oil & gas sites.

Work Environment

Environmental factors mostly consist of work being conducted in an indoor office environment but may include exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., cold, heat), fumes, variable weather conditions, outdoor work, and noise due to some travel and work on worksites.