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Job Title: Compressor Station Reliability & Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Reliability Engineer analyzes the performance and condition of a large natural gas compressor fleet, troubleshoots equipment and control-system issues, investigates failures, and develops maintenance and equipment-improvement strategies to keep compressor stations operating safely and reliably. This role supports the planning, design, construction, alteration, maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improvement of compressor stations across a 5,800-mile natural gas transmission system. The engineer focuses on equipment performance, reliability, and maintenance, working closely with operations, project management, vendors, and maintenance personnel to improve equipment availability, reduce downtime, and optimize compressor station performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the reliability, performance, and maintenance of natural gas compressor station equipment and auxiliary systems across the pipeline system.
• Analyze equipment health, operational trends, and performance data to identify opportunities for reliability and efficiency improvements.
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, failure investigations, and optimization studies on compressor and mechanical systems.
• Develop clear recommendations for equipment repair, replacement, upgrades, and redesign initiatives to improve reliability and performance.
• Assist with the specification, evaluation, installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of mechanical equipment and control systems at compressor stations.
• Support preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to improve equipment availability and reduce unplanned failures.
• Lead or participate in equipment reliability and efficiency improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Perform minimal drafting tasks as needed, coordinating with drafting and design staff for more complex work.
• Utilize analytics and asset management tools to monitor equipment health, track reliability metrics, and identify emerging issues.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, project teams, contractors, and vendors to execute projects and resolve technical issues in a timely manner.
• Review technical documents, equipment specifications, engineering designs, and contractor work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and internal company requirements.
• Develop technical reports, engineering studies, specifications, and project documentation to support decision-making and project execution.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and best practices for compressor station equipment.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for compressor station equipment, reliability, and asset performance initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and support to operations and maintenance personnel in the field.
• Oversee contractors, consultants, or other technical resources on assigned projects as needed, ensuring safe and effective work execution.
• Collaborate with another reliability engineer and a reliability specialist, actively participating in training and knowledge transfer during the technical ramp-up period.
• Travel regularly to compressor stations to support PLC programming, commissioning, and startup of compressor stations and related assets.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, preferably in electrical, automation, or mechanical engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience with PLC programming, SCADA, and/or automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with compressor station installation and commissioning projects.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Willingness and commitment to travel as required, including day trips and occasional overnight travel.
• Knowledge of 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and turbine engine operations and their associated control systems.
• Knowledge of auxiliary systems required to support a natural gas compression fleet.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure investigations on mechanical and control systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review technical documents, engineering drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate equipment performance data and identify reliability improvement opportunities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external partners.
• Capability to comply with and apply relevant engineering codes, standards, and regulations.
• Ability to pass required screening, including acceptable driving and safety-related history.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate.
• Experience using OSI PI or similar analytics and data historian programs.
• Knowledge and/or experience with the use of PLCs in industrial control systems beyond the minimum required level.
• Knowledge of industrial engines and compressors, including their operation, maintenance, and failure modes.
• Knowledge of natural gas transmission regulations such as 49 CFR 192 and OSHA requirements, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Understanding of industrial engine and compressor machinery analysis techniques.
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, design, construction, and piping systems related to compressor stations.
• Experience in petroleum engineering, pipeline engineering, or pipeline design.
• Familiarity with automation systems and electrical engineering concepts applied to industrial facilities.
• Experience with inspection and oversight of pipeline construction and compressor station projects.
• Basic proficiency with 2D AutoCAD or similar drafting tools for minimal drafting tasks (approximately 5–10%, with support from dedicated drafters and designers).
• Strong communication skills to prepare technical reports, studies, and project documentation.
• Ability to mentor, collaborate, and share knowledge within a small reliability-focused team.

Work Environment

This is a direct-hire, salaried position based within a natural gas transmission system that operates a network of compressor stations. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00–7:30 a.m. to 3:30–4:00 p.m., with some flexibility as project and field needs require. The role involves approximately 25% to 30% travel, primarily by driving to compressor stations for day trips and occasional overnight stays. Travel is generally within a defined region, with projects centrally located relative to the assigned office or home base, and may include locations in Kansas (such as Wichita, Emporia, Lyons, Hesston, Ottawa, and the Kansas City area), Missouri (such as Joplin and other operating locations), and Oklahoma (such as Edmond, Blackwell, and other regional locations). The work environment is a combination of office and field settings. In the office, the engineer works in a typical cubicle or office environment, performing analysis, documentation, and collaboration with colleagues. In the field, the engineer supports activities at compressor stations, working around industrial equipment, rotating machinery, and control systems, and must follow all safety procedures and site requirements. The company provides a vehicle for work-related travel, along with a phone, IT equipment, tools, and a company credit card, with field expenses covered in accordance with company policies. Relocation assistance may be available depending on the candidate’s circumstances and location. New hires work closely with another reliability engineer and a reliability specialist and receive structured training and support during the learning and technical ramp-up period, including joint travel to field locations. The environment emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and collaboration, with opportunities to contribute to reliability improvements across a large natural gas transmission system.

This is a Permanent position based out of Joplin, MO.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits OverviewWe believe great work deserves great rewards. In exchange for your passion and expertise, we provide a benefits package that supports your well-being and growth in all aspects of life.MedicalVisionDentalSupplemental Life InsuranceDependent Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountWellness ProgramsService AwardsEducational ReimbursementFitness ReimbursementHolidaysPaid Time OffParental & Maternity Leave401K

This is a fully onsite position in Joplin,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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