Sr. Engineer, Mechanical (Rotating Equipment) (Ref ID: 1011)

Next Decade

Next Decade

Houston, TX, USA
Posted on Dec 15, 2024
About Nextdecade Corporation
NextDecade Corporation is an energy company accelerating the path to a net-zero future. Leading innovation in more sustainable LNG and carbon capture solutions, NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to cleaner energy. Through our subsidiaries Rio Grande LNG and NEXT Carbon Solutions, we are developing a 27 MTPA LNG export facility in South Texas and have proposed a carbon capture and storage project at the site. We remain committed to advancing and lowering the cost of utilizing carbon capture and storage and helping companies reduce their facility emissions and achieving their clean energy goals.. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.

Summary Of The Role
NextDecade is currently seeking a Senior Engineer, Mechanical Rotating Equipment to join our multi-discipline Engineering and Construction team which is responsible for executing the Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project and which supports our Next Carbon Solutions (NCS) carbon capture venture. This role is responsible for oversight of the design, specification, installation, commissioning, start up and operation of rotating equipment on RGLNG and NCS projects. This position is responsible for oversight of the EPC contractor’s activities during project execution, initially in detailed design, through to mechanical installation on site, to start up and into operations. The position will initially be in Houston, Tx. then requires mobilization to the RGLNG site in Brownsville, TX.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serves as NextDecade’s rotating equipment subject matter expert during FEED, detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, start-up, and operation of NextDecade projects
  • Collaborates with the Next Decade Engineering team to ensure that Next Decade facilities are designed to be safe, fit-for-purpose, and meet the specified operational standards
  • Reviews EPC contractor deliverables including data sheets, design bases, specifications, engineering calculations, vendor documents, engineering studies, reports, and scopes of work
  • Ensure projects align with the organization's safety standards, meet quality benchmarks, and are within cost and schedule.
  • Contributes to the creation of mechanical data sheets, drawings, material requisitions, technical evaluations, and equipment specifications for all rotating equipment, such as compressors, pumps, seals, blowers, and motors.
  • Participates in technical evaluations, including process hazard analyses, 3D model reviews, and constructability reviews.
  • Facilitates rotating equipment related technical discussions with partners such as equipment suppliers, regulators, and technology partners.
  • Oversee the creation of comprehensive equipment monitoring and preservation programs and ensures their successful implementation to ensure target facility reliability and availability.
  • Supervises EPC contractor rotating equipment installation activities such as machinery field balancing and alignment
  • Participates in commissioning activities such as walk-downs, inspections, and pre-start-up safety reviews.
  • Diagnosis and troubleshooting of operational and performance issues with turbomachinery based on operating and vibration data
  • Supervises the EPC contractor on-site to ensure rotating equipment is delivered and maintained in accordance with project standards and specifications, design, and contractual terms.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 10+ years' experience in a similar role at an EPC contractor or operator
  • 3+ years' experience during execution phase on a LNG liquefaction project
  • Comprehensive understanding of the design, installation, and operation of rotating equipment such as Centrifugal Compressors, Gas Turbines, Dry Gas Seals, Process Pumps, Mechanical Seals, and Lubrication Systems.
  • Experience with Rotating Equipment design engineering studies/analysis/deliverables like Thermodynamic, Aerodynamic, Rotor dynamic Analysis reports, Technical Bid Evaluation, Material specification, Specialty component like bearings and seal specification, driver/coupling data sheets, Equipment layout, Compressor Dynamic Simulation, Reciprocating Machines Pulsation analysis, (Static and Dynamic analysis, Vibration analysis, Condition monitoring, and Performance analysis), and Rotating Equipment auxiliary seal and lube oil system design and operation
  • Experience with the implementation of customization or upgrades to gas turbine combustion systems such as axial fuel staging retrofits
  • Working knowledge of the design, engineering, installation, commissioning, startup, operation, maintenance, and upgrade of Frame 7EA gas turbines
  • Experience with gas turbine controls, monitoring & protection systems software
  • Experience witnessing factory testing and supervising contractor during field installation, pre-commissioning, start-up, and site acceptance testing for major rotating equipment on an LNG facility
  • Working knowledge of API/ANSI pumps, mechanical seals, seal flush plans, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, turboexpanders, diesel engines, blowers, Fans, lube oil systems, gearbox, and industrial gas turbines applications experience
  • Dedicated to upholding safety, ensuring quality, and protecting the environment.
  • Expert knowledge of industry codes and standards (API, ASME ANSI, ISO).
  • Strong working knowledge of the hydrocarbon processing industry, including LNG, refining, and petrochemicals.
  • Ability to work to project deadlines, assuring the accuracy and timely completion of deliverables.
  • Knowledge of project documents such as PFD’s, P&ID's, equipment specifications, packaged equipment vendor documents, and commissioning and start up procedures.
  • Knowledge of typical work processes employed in the execution of large-scale EPC projects, including management of change, design change evaluations, and requests for information.
  • Ability to develop performance criteria and inspect and test turbomachinery.
  • Peripheral knowledge of the contribution of other disciplines such as control systems, static equipment engineering, and piping engineering to the success of project execution
  • Communicates effectively at all levels of the organization to ensure clarity in expectations, requirements, and deliverables
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience as an owners’ engineer working and collaborating closely with a major EPC contractor to deliver a lumpsum turnkey project.



PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Knowledge of the specifications, operation, and maintenance of multiple types of turbomachinery. Experience with Frame 7 machines and helper motors.
  • Experience in Weight/Footprint/Noise Reduction and Modularization
  • Experience with the GE Mark VIe control platform with OptiComp
  • Experience with the installation, commissioning, start-up and operation of first of a kind large scale machinery on a large industrial installation
  • Working knowledge of the design, engineeing, installation, commissioning, startup, operation, maintenance, of LNG Boil Off Gas Multistage Centrifugal Compressors



Job Site Work Environment

  • Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions
  • Operates in a complex construction environment
  • Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions
  • Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions
  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits
  • Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction
  • Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios



Able to meet the following physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:

  • Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required
  • Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations
  • Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift
  • The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities
  • Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance
  • Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
  • Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods
  • May be required to enter confined spaces
  • May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance



Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire



NEXTDECADE VALUES

  • Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us
  • Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do
  • Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions
  • Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work
  • Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders
  • Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed



NextDecadeprovides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecadecomplies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.