Leak Detection Engineer

Leak Detection Engineer

WES is seeking a Leak Detection Engineer to join the Process Optimization Team. The 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 leak detection systems (LDS) are effectively designed, implemented, and maintained to support safe and reliable pipeline operations.

The position is based in the Woodlands, TX and reports to the Manager of Process Optimization & Engineering.

• 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.
• Strong initiative, self‑motivation, and ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and time‑management skills; ability to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Solid 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 and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and interface with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong documentation and report‑writing skills for regulatory and internal audiences.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility preferred.
• Familiarity with pipeline hydraulic modelling, steady‑state and transparent analysis, and control‑room operations.
• Experience implementing or managing CPM systems such as Atmos, DNV Synergi Leak Detection, AURA, Pipe Sim, RTTM‑based systems, or similar platforms; knowledge of real‑time analytics tools, historian systems (OSI PI, Ignition), and SCADA‑integrated LDS applications.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Leak Detection Program 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 KPIs to leadership, recommending improvements when necessary.
• Provide engineering expertise and project leadership for the design, installation, configuration, and commissioning of leak detection technologies (CPM, pressure/flow imbalance, statistical monitoring, 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.
• 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 improvement opportunities in leak detection systems, procedures, and overall program effectiveness.
• 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.

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

• Travel will be required up to 10%.

• Hybrid schedule: office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; remote Wednesday and Friday. Monday‑Thursday are 9 hours and Fridays are 4 hours.