Pipeline Engineer

Job Overview

Job Category

Engineers

Sectors

Education

Environment

Office only

About This Career

You ensure oil and gas flow through the intricate maze of underground pipes that act as the key transportation network for the oil and gas industry. Responsible for designing these systems, you ensure pipeline integrity and that pipeline projects meet regulatory and health and safety requirements.

Pipeline Engineers design pipeline systems and facilities, develop inspection and protection programs and collect performance data to ensure all projects related to pipelines are completed on budget and schedule.

The main priority of Pipeline Engineers is the safety of pipeline systems for operations staff, the public and the environment.

When you start in this occupation activities may include:

Preparing mechanical or civil drawings
Planning routes and preparing design drawings of pipeline and supportive facilities
Optimizing the design with due considerations to safety, quality, cost and long-term operability

As you advance you may take on additional tasks including:

Ensuring the safe and cost-effective design of all gathering pipelines, main transportation systems, pump or compressor stations and storage tank facilities
Providing Control Centre Operators with specialized training and guidance on the use of a variety of tools for pressure and leak detection purposes
Providing engineering design, leadership, guidance and troubleshooting services on complex matters relating to the centralized pipeline control and leak detections systems

Education

A post-secondary degree in mechanical, civil or geotechnical engineering (or related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.

Certifications

Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements

Licensing

To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.

You embrace challenge and problem-solving. Sometimes the challenges are technical, such as running a pipeline under a river, and require coordination with specialty engineers and surface land team members and consultation with First Nations and landowners. Other challenges are logistical or interpersonal.