A pipeline engineer works on the systems that transport oil and gas. Although some may be employed by government agencies in a regulatory capacity or private firms that conduct research without actually handling such products, such personnel work primarily for oil and gas companies. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in engineering is usually required for this position. Some colleges and universities offer an oil and gas engineering concentration, which can be beneficial.
Pipeline engineers are typically heavily involved in planning. Engineers are used by companies developing pipelines to develop routes and technical specifications, such as pipe size and placement. They can also talk about where maintenance stations, depots, and other supporting infrastructure will be located. Regulatory limitations and environmental issues, such as the inability to run a pipeline through a seismically active area due to concerns about damage during earthquakes, may be factors for a pipeline engineer to consider.
A pipeline engineer participates in the quality control process as the installation of a pipeline begins. These individuals may inspect installations, conduct tests, and compare components to specifications and plans. If issues arise during development, the engineer may need to develop field-based real-time solutions. With major construction projects, delays can be costly, so it’s critical to solve problems creatively while under pressure.
Engineers are also concerned about completed pipelines. They create maintenance schedules and may oversee more complex maintenance tasks to ensure they are completed correctly. A pipeline engineer responds to problems, determines the cause, and devises a plan of action. This could include anything from replacing a section of damaged pipeline to upgrading a pumping unit to meet new regulatory requirements. Troubleshooting is essential for keeping a pipeline operational or responding quickly to a spill to minimize environmental damage and financial losses.
Oil and gas companies typically keep a full-time engineering staff on hand to handle ongoing needs, with additional personnel brought on as needed for specific projects or incidents. A pipeline engineer may be eligible for benefits such as paid travel to installations. Employees who are required to stay in remote areas for extended periods of time may be eligible for paid vacation benefits, in which their employers pay for their travel and lodging. Some companies also pay for family travel expenses so that employees can spend their vacations with their families in a location halfway between home and work.