Freelance Leak Detection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

WES is seeking a Leak Detection Engineer to join the Process Optimization Team. The Leak Detection Engineer will be responsible for the management, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Leak Detection Program in compliance with DOT PHMSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 192 and 195). This role serves as a subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, consultation, and oversight to ensure that leak detection systems (LDS) are effectively designed, implemented, and maintained to support safe and reliable pipeline operations. 

*This role is based in the Woodlands, TX and will report to the Manager of Process Optimization & Engineering. 

 Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pipeline operations, control systems, flow assurance or leak detection engineering. 
• Experience with PHMSA-regulated pipeline operations (liquid or gas) and familiarity with 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195. 
• Working knowledge of API 1130, API 1175, and API 1165.   
• Must be self-motivated and able to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment with strong analytical and time management skills 
• Strong initiative to work efficiently with accurate results 
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, instrumentation, and SCADA systems. 
• Proficiency with leak detection software, Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM), real-time transient models (RTTM), and pipeline simulation tools. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and interface with cross-functional teams. 
• Strong documentation and report-writing skills for regulatory and internal audiences. 

Responsibilities: 

Program Management and Compliance: 

• Develop, implement and maintain the company's Leak Detection Program (LDP) in accordance with DOT PHMSA requirements, company policies, and industry standards (API 1130, API 1175, etc.). 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory audits, inspections, and documentation related to leak detection compliance. 
• Prepare and maintain program documentation, including procedures, performance metrics, testing protocols, and annual evaluations of leak detection systems. 
• Track, analyze, and report leak detection system performance, response effectiveness, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to leadership, recommending improvements when necessary 

Technical Leadership and System Implementation: 

• Provide engineering expertise and project leadership for the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of leak detection technologies, including computational pipeline monitoring (CPM), pressure/flow imbalance, statistical monitoring, and real-time transient models. 
• Collaborate with SCADA, Control Room, Automation, Operations and IT/OT teams to integrate leak detection capabilities into control systems and enterprise data platforms. 
• Evaluate and recommend system enhancements, software tools, or analytical techniques to enhance leak detection sensitivity, reliability, alarm quality, and response time.
• Perform system tuning, data validation, and performance testing to ensure optimal operation of leak detection algorithms, instrumentation, and communication infrastructure. 

Consulting and Advisory Responsibilities: 

• Act as a technical consultant to management and operations teams regarding leak detection technologies, control room procedures, and emergency response coordination. 
• Support the Remote Operations Center (ROC) team by ensuring operators are trained and familiar with leak detection alerts, thresholds, and response protocols. 
• Participate in risk assessments, root-cause analyses, and incident investigations to identify pimprovement opportunities in leak detection systems, procedures, and overall program effectiveness. 

Continuous Improvement and Reliability: 

• Lead or participate in projects focused on enhancing leak detection reliability, automation, and data analytics. 
• Benchmark leak detection performance against industry best practices and emerging technologies. 
• Support the implementation of API 1175 performance-based leak detection management systems through collaboration with Operations, Integrity, SCADA, and other cross-functional teams. 

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process or Petroleum Engineering or a related field

Skills & Competencies: 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility preferred. 
• Experience implementing or managing CPM systems such as Atmos, DNV Synergi Leak Detection, AURA, PipeSim, RTTM-based systems, or similar leak detection and pipeline monitoring platforms. Familiarity with real-time analytics tools, historian systems (OSI PI, Ignition), and SCADA-integrated LDS applications is also beneficial. 
• Familiarity with pipeline hydraulic modelling, steady state and transparent analysis, and control room operations.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel will be required up to 10%.

Work Schedule:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and working remote Wednesday and Friday. Monday-Thursday are 9 hours and Fridays are 4 hours.