Principal Pipeline Operations Engineer

Skills at this level

SCADA pipeline monitoring and control

— Monitors field compressor and pump status, pressures and flow through SCADA, interpreting readings and alarms to keep pipeline throughput within safe operating parameters and to trigger corrective action.

Leak detection and prevention

— Detects leaks remotely and in the field, responds to system alarms, and implements best practices to prevent releases before they escalate into spills or line failures.

Valve and pump operation

— Regulates pumps and adjusts valves and actuators to control pipeline flow and pressure, isolating segments during upsets and normal throughput changes.

Lockout/tagout and pipeline safety procedures

— Performs lockout/tagout and follows company-specific safety standards when servicing pipe, compressor stations and equipment to protect crews during maintenance and repair.

In-line inspection and pigging

— Runs in-line inspection tools and prepares lines for inspection — launching, receiving and pigging — and completes Operation Qualifications required for pipeline regulatory work.

Pipeline equipment troubleshooting

— Diagnoses and resolves common mechanical problems on pipeline equipment such as leaks, pump and valve faults, drawing on knowledge of the mechanical systems involved.

Hydraulic analysis and feasibility studies

— Conducts hydraulic analyses and feasibility studies to size and validate pipeline systems, supporting design decisions and throughput optimization.

Pipeline design and specification

— Develops pipeline system designs, engineering reports, project documentation and technical specifications for construction and maintenance of new and existing lines.

Excavation and tie-in direction

— Directs pipeline excavations and tie-ins in the field, sequencing crews and ensuring adherence to safety protocols during line modifications.

Emergency isolation and repair coordination

— Acts quickly during emergencies to isolate affected pipeline segments and coordinate repair crews, minimizing release and restoring service safely.

Regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring

— Monitors environmental compliance, reports and prevents spills, and ensures pipeline work meets regulatory requirements for integrity and safety.

Integrity management method design

— Defines and refines organization-wide leak-detection, inspection and integrity-management standards, and designs improved methods that become reference practice for the field.

Multi-disciplinary engineering leadership

— Leads teams spanning pipeline, geotechnical (including trenchless design) and civil engineering to deliver large, complex capital pipeline projects.