Summary of Position:
WaterBridge is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Operations Engineer to support the safe and efficient operation of our water midstream infrastructure in the Permian Basin. The Operations Engineer will work closely with field operations, project engineering, and commercial teams to optimize system performance, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and support the growth of our network. This is a hands-on, field-engaged role ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, field-intensive environment.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
The following represents most of the duties performed by the position but is not meant to be all-inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary. Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory, environmental, and safety rules and standards, as well as corporate policies.
As an Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for:
- Project Management: Manage small-to-mid-scale operational and capital projects from scoping through commissioning, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and vendor coordination.
- Engineering Drawings: Create and maintain engineering drawings for facilities and pipeline projects, including P&IDs, plot plans, and as-built documentation using AutoCAD or similar drafting tools.
- Operations Support: Monitor and optimize the performance of produced water gathering, transportation, and disposal systems, including pipelines, pump stations, and SWD wells.
- Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve operational issues in the field, coordinating with field technicians, vendors, and contractors to minimize downtime.
- Data Analysis: Analyze production, flow, and pressure data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for system optimization.
- Engineering Studies: Conduct hydraulic modeling, capacity analyses, and operational studies to support system expansions and capital projects.
- Process Improvement: Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects targeting cost reduction, reliability enhancement, and safety performance.
- HSE Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with federal, state, and company health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Regulatory Coordination: Support permitting activities for SWD wells and pipeline infrastructure in coordination with the regulatory and environmental teams.
- Collaboration: Partner with commercial, project engineering, and field operations teams to deliver on customer commitments and operational targets.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
- 3–7 years of engineering or operations experience in oil and gas, midstream, or water management
- Working knowledge of pipeline systems, pump operations, and/or SWD well operations
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, or similar)
- Ability to work in a field environment in West Texas / New Mexico; willingness to travel up to 30%
- Strong problem-solving skills with a bias for action and field accountability
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in produced water handling, disposal, or recycling operations preferred
- Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HYSYS, AFT Fathom, PipeSim) preferred
- Knowledge of Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) and NMNMOGD regulatory requirements preferred
- Experience with SCADA systems and operational data platforms preferred
- EIT or PE license (or working toward licensure) preferred
Working Conditions/Environment:
- Operates in both a professional and/or business casual office environment as well as in a field environment.
Position Type:
- This is a full-time position.
Position Location:
Benefits:
At WaterBridge, our employee benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- If eligible, company paid housing will be provided during working shifts
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Drug Coverage
- Voluntary Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, & Child(ren)
- Employee Basic Life and AD&D Insurance – Company Paid
- Short Term & Long Term Disability – Company Paid
- 401(k) or Roth 401(k) Retirement Plan, plus a company match
- And many other benefits not listed here
