About this Role
HBK Engineering, LLC is seeking an experienced Gas Transmission Engineer to support our natural gas utility infrastructure practice in Montana, with a primary focus on engineering design and delivery. In this role, you will perform and lead engineering design, technical evaluations, permitting support, and regulatory compliance for high-pressure natural gas transmission pipelines, regulator stations, valve assemblies, and interconnect facilities. You will collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary project teams, utility client representatives, and local/state agencies to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective gas engineering solutions from initial planning through construction support.
What You'll Do
- Lead and perform engineering design for natural gas transmission pipelines, gate stations, town border stations, regulator/metering facilities, and main line valve settings.
- Prepare detailed engineering calculations including pipe wall thickness, hoop stress/MAOP determinations (ASME B31.8), cathodic protection evaluations, pressure relief sizing, and hydraulic flow modeling.
- Function as project engineer for natural gas facilities such as pipelines, measurement & regulation stations, compressor stations or gas treatment equipment
- Direct and review the preparation of alignment sheets, P&IDs, facility piping layouts, detail drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Perform Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) technical reviews on design packages to ensure compliance with client standards, safety codes, and industry best practices.
- Act as a primary day-to-day engineering point of contact for gas design and operations teams.
- Ensure all design packages, material specifications, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) align with utility standards.
- Respond to field Requests for Information (RFIs) and engineering change orders during construction to ensure design intent is maintained.
- Travel and extended hours may be required, up to 50% travel
- For candidates outside the Butte area, a minimum of two days per week onsite in Butte is required during the initial training period. Once training is complete, management will evaluate and determine ongoing onsite expectations
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
- Ensure all project deliverables comply strictly with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, ASME B31.8, PHMSA mandates, and state regulations (Montana PSC).
- Support environmental, land, and agency permitting processes through coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (USFS), railroads, and local municipalities.
- Assist with Integrity Management Program (IMP) evaluations, maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) re-confirmation programs, and pipeline risk mitigation projects.
- Support Project Managers with scope development, engineering fee estimations, schedule tracking, and technical risk identification.
- Participate in client progress meetings, site walkdowns, and field investigations across Montana as required.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or an accredited engineering discipline.
- 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in natural gas transmission, high-pressure gas distribution, or pipeline utility design.
- Familiarity with gas design standards, specifications, and regional operating considerations is a major plus.
- Proficiency with design and mapping platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or ArcGIS.
- Exposure to gas hydraulic modeling software (e.g., Synergi Gas, NextGen, WinFlow) and pipe stress analysis tools.
- Proven problem-solving capabilities and attention to detail.
- Flexibility to travel periodically across Montana for site visits, field walkdowns, and client alignment meetings.
What You'll Get
- Opportunity to work independently on complex engineering challenges
- Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams
- Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Career advancement opportunities with increased responsibilities.
