Process Optimization Advisor

Job Summary:

WES is seeking a senior technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join the Process Optimization Team as a Process Optimization Advisor. This role will serve as the company’s principal technical authority for optimizing the operation of midstream processing equipment and systems across gas processing plants, oil treating facilities, compressor stations, pump stations, and water disposal facilities.

The Advisor will drive equipment reliability and operational excellence by mentoring field operations personnel, implementing data-driven optimization strategies, and serving as the technical bridge between corporate engineering teams and field-based operations. This position focuses on maximizing asset uptime, extending equipment life, reducing operational costs, and building technical capability throughout the organization. 

Equipment areas of focus include reciprocating and screw compressors, turbo expanders, propane refrigeration systems, amine and TEG contactors and regeneration systems, molecular sieve dehydration systems, heaters, heat exchangers, pumps, JT skids, and control valves. 

*This role is based in the Woodlands, TX and will report to the Director of Process Optimization & Engineering. 

Qualifications:

• 20+ years of relevant experience in upstream, midstream or downstream O&G industry is preferred specifically day to day operations
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards for pipeline, measurement, and gathering facilities as well as applicable local, state, and Federal regulations. Working knowledge of applicable environmental and safety regulations 
• Deep SME background and experience in midstream operations, both gathering and processing 
• Must be able to work effectively with engineers, and other technical team members as well as field operations personnel and vendors 
• Must be self-motivated and able to work both collaboratively and independently 
• Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment with strong analytical and time management skills 
• Strong initiative to work efficiently with accurate results 

Responsibilities: 

*Equipment Optimization & Performance

• Lead efforts to optimize performance of mechanical equipment including reciprocating and screw compressors, turbo expanders, propane refrigeration compression, amine and TEG contactors and regeneration systems, mole sieve dehydration systems, heaters, heat exchangers, pumps, JT skids, and control valves. 
• Evaluate and improve system operations for a range of facilities including gas gathering and compression, oil treating, saltwater disposal, water treating, cryogenic, and amine gas plants. 
• Develop and implement data-driven strategies to reduce downtime, improve throughput, and maximize equipment efficiency. 
• Monitor and analyze process performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities. 
• Support implementation of optimization technologies such as advanced monitoring, control system tuning, and process automation upgrades. 

*Field Operations Support & Technical Presence

• Collaborate with different teams within WES: Process Optimization Engineering, Commissioning and Construction, Field/Plant Operations, Field Services and maintenance teams, Operations Automation & Electrical engineering, Asset Integrity, and Remote Operations Center (ROC). 
• Serve as the primary liaison between corporate engineering teams and field operations to resolve both acute and systemic operational issues. 
• Provide technical expertise and on-site support during troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment startups. 
• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting expertise during equipment commissioning activities, major maintenance events, and critical operational challenges. 
• Respond to field requests for technical assistance on acute equipment issues, performing on-site diagnostics and implementing immediate corrective actions to minimize downtime. 
• Participate in and support emergency response activities by providing subject matter expertise for critical equipment failures and process upsets. 

*Knowledge Transfer, Training % Documentation

• Partner with the WES operational training department to help support as a Subject Matter Expert on developing training and materials for field personnel on equipment operation, performance optimization, and process control fundamentals. 
• Develop, document, and maintain troubleshooting guides and operational best practices for critical equipment and processes. 
• Create and deliver technical training programs for field operations personnel, covering equipment operation, performance optimization, and troubleshooting methodologies. 
• Build and maintain a best practices knowledge base documenting lessons learned, successful optimization initiatives, and equipment-specific operational guidance for use across all company assets. 
• Mentor field lead operators and technicians through hands-on coaching, job shadowing, and structured knowledge transfer to develop next-generation technical expertise. 
• Develop and share best practices, operating guidelines, and troubleshooting documentation across operations teams. 

*Preventative Maintenance Program Optimization

• Validate standard PM plans and frequencies based on runtime performance, equipment condition data, and vendor recommendations. 
• Collaborate with OEMs and reliability engineering teams to incorporate vendor recommendations, industry best practices, and operational experience into PM plans. 
• Approve and manage pilot programs for changes to standard PM plans and make data-driven decisions on implementation. 

*Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct root cause analyses for recurring equipment and process issues; develop and track corrective actions. 
• Facilitate cross-functional reliability review sessions to share failure analysis findings and implement systemic improvements across similar equipment. 
• Collaborate with asset integrity and corporate reliability, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement preventive and predictive maintenance improvements. 

*Organizational Alignment

• Exhibit WES's core values of Servant Leadership, Empowerment, Customer Focus, Belief in Each Other, Integrity, and Positive Work Environment. 

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree preferable but not required 

Skills & Competencies: 

• Compressor and engine packager/manufacture training (CAT, Ariel, Waukasha, etc.) 
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft office software such as Project, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required 

Travel Requirements:

• Travel will be required up to 10%.

Work Schedule:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and working remote Wednesday and Friday. Monday-Thursday are 9 hours and Fridays are 4 hours.