Targa Resources

Principal Engineer, AI & Emerging Technology

Targa Resources • $120K — $150K *
Midland, TX 79705In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
3 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
  • 7+ years in midstream oil & gas or industrial operations focusing on technology and innovation.
  • Proven success deploying AI/ML in operational settings.
  • Strong knowledge of SCADA, Maximo, and asset performance systems.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Willingness to travel extensively and respond to urgent situations.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements (DOT/PHMSA, EPA, OSHA).

Responsibilities

  • Lead technology identification and pilot testing for AI/ML and emerging technologies.
  • Maintain a prioritized backlog of AI use cases aligned with KPIs.
  • Build reliable data pipelines for AI model deployment.
  • Coordinate model development, testing, and deployment with stakeholders.
  • Provide regular updates on pilot testing progress and issues.
  • Scout startups and technology partners for collaboration.
  • Define success criteria and scope for pilot projects.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence the strategic direction of AI technology.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge technology deployments.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency.
  • Promotes a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Access to training and development to enhance AI literacy among employees.
Full Job Description
JOB FUNCTION:

The Principal/Sr. Engineer of AI and Emerging Technology will support the coordination, selection, pilot testing, evaluation, and integration/adoption and maintenance of artificial intelligence (AI) and related emerging technologies into Targa's operational work processes. This role also partners closely with third party Investment teams to review startups and partners, perform technical diligence, design and execute pilots, and help shape co-development opportunities where strategic investments of resources and funds enable Targa to influence product direction. This role sits within the Engineering Services organization and collaborates closely with Information Technology, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Reliability, Rotating Equipment Specialists, Mechanical Integrity (MI), Corrosion, OT/SCADA, Pipeline Integrity, Operations, Engineering and Commercial teams to ensure efficient and impactful adoption of AI and Emerging Technology across the enterprise. This role will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and asset reliability through adoption and implementation of advanced technology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead identification, prioritization, and piloting of new technologies that include AI/ML, digital twins, generative AI, equipment upgrades and autonomous inspection technologies across operational assets.
  • Maintain a prioritized backlog of AI and Emerging Technology use cases mapped to organizational KPIs (e.g., corrosion growth rates, MTBF for rotating equipment).
  • Partner with SCADA and Measurement teams to build reliable real-time data pipelines for AI and Emerging Technology model deployment.
  • Coordinate with internal and external resources to develop, test, and deploy AI/ML models.
  • Provide tracking and regular updates on testing progress; interface with testing groups to maintain strong communication and clear issue/decision logs.
  • Support investment partners to scout startups and technology partners; translate business pain points into clear technical needs, screen solutions quickly, and maintain a pipeline of high-potential opportunities.
  • Lead technical diligence for venture and partner opportunities (architecture, data flows, cybersecurity posture, scalability, reliability, integration approach, vendor maturity, and technical risk) to inform investment and partnership decisions.
  • Define pilot/POC scope, success criteria, test plans, and measurement approach for venture-backed or partner solutions (KPIs, value realization, safety/compliance impacts, and operational readiness); run disciplined stage-gates from prototype through field pilot to scale decision.
  • Own day-to-day technical partnership execution during pilots and post-investment: coordinate internal stakeholders and startup/partner teams, manage technical deliverables, resolve blockers, and ensure successful handoff into steady-state operations with clear ownership and support models.
  • Drive structured feedback loops with startups/partners to influence product roadmap and co-development (requirements, data access, field learnings, defect triage, and release validation) aligned to Targa standards.
  • Partner with IT/OT and platform teams to operationalize MLOps practices (model/version control, reproducible training, automated testing, deployment pipelines, and documentation).
  • Establish and track KPIs and cost/benefit analyses for AI and Emerging Technology initiatives, present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Support change management and training efforts to improve AI and Emerging Technology literacy across the organization.
  • Collaborate with EAM, Reliability, MI, Corrosion, OT/SCADA, and Pipeline Integrity teams to align AI and Emerging Technology initiatives with business needs.
  • Drive cultural adoption of AI/Emerging Technology through rapid prototyping and feedback loops.
  • Ensure AI/Emerging technology initiatives support and align with operational goals related to safety, compliance, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Engage with Commercial, Engineering & Construction, and ES&H teams to align AI/Emerging Technology efforts with broader strategic objectives.
  • Conduct field visits to evaluate technology adoption and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Serve as SME for monitoring, maintenance, and continual development of deployed AI and emerging technologies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
  • 7+ years of experience in midstream oil & gas or industrial operations a with role focused on operations, technology, or innovation.
  • Proven experience deploying AI/ML solutions in operational environments.
  • Strong understanding of Operating Equipment, SCADA, Maximo, Measurement, and asset performance systems.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to travel frequently across Targa's operational regions and respond to urgent matters outside standard business hours.
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (DOT/PHMSA, EPA, OSHA) and how AI & Emerging Technology can support compliance and performance.
  • Familiarity with pipeline, compressor, gas plant, and fractionator operations and how AI & Emerging Technology can support enhanced performance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Vision to see what can be, with the knowledge to understand deployment limitations.
  • Field engineering and operational background
  • Experience working with startups/partners (scouting, evaluation, pilots/POCs, and scale-up), including navigating ambiguity and fast iteration cycles.
  • Experience supporting investment diligence by translating technical findings into clear decision inputs (technical risks, integration effort, security/data considerations, and scaling path) for business stakeholders.
  • Experience designing testing and acceptance strategies for new technology deployments (requirements, integration testing, cybersecurity considerations, UAT, and operational readiness reviews).
  • Ability to define and track KPIs/value realization for pilots and deployments, including building basic dashboards/scorecards and leading root-cause analysis when outcomes drift from targets.
  • Strong vendor/partner evaluation skills, including reviewing architectures, security posture, data handling, support models, and SLA/operational requirements.
  • Working knowledge of data/AI and automation tooling (e.g., Python, APIs, cloud/edge platforms) and concepts such as model/version governance, system integration, and change management.

About Targa Resources

Targa is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. They own, operate, acquire, and develop a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. They are primarily engaged in the business of: - gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and selling natural gas - storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters - gathering, storing, and terminaling crude oil - storing, terminaling, and selling refined petroleum products. They believe their growth will be driven by continued organic growth investments across their diversified asset footprint. Their assets are not easily replicated and are strategically located in some of the most attractive basins in the U.S., and interconnected with key NGL markets and logistics centers. Their gathering and processing assets are across multiple shale and natural resource plays, including the Permian Basin, Barnett Shale, Bakken Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, Anadarko Basin, Arkoma Basin, onshore Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. They have a leading position at Mont Belvieu, the NGL hub of North America. They have the second largest fractionation ownership position at Mont Belvieu and world class LPG export facilities on the Gulf Coast at their Galena Park Marine Terminal, which is interconnected to Mont Belvieu.

Targa Resources Careers

Join the dynamic team at Targa Resources, a leader in the energy sector, where innovation, leadership, and growth are at the heart of our operations. As one of the most prominent midstream energy operators, Targa Resources offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a thriving and supportive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Targa Resources, you will engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the energy landscape. Our team is committed to excellence and seeks to innovate and lead in every project. With a focus on sustainable and efficient energy solutions, your role will help shape the future of energy.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you're looking for a full-time position or an internship, Targa Resources provides a platform for professional growth and development. Our diverse range of job opportunities in engineering, business development, and project management allows you to find the perfect match for your skills and career ambitions.

Innovate and Lead

Join a company where innovation is the status quo. At Targa Resources, we encourage our team to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. Leadership is cultivated at every level, and we provide the necessary tools and diversity training to ensure you can lead successfully, regardless of your role.

Develop Your Career

Targa Resources is deeply invested in the professional growth of our employees. With comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, and opportunities for advancement, we support your career journey from the start. Our leadership programs and professional development courses ensure that you have access to the best resources to succeed.

Be Part of Our Team

Our company culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We value diversity and believe it enhances our team’s performance. Targa Resources is not just a company—it’s a community where you can build lasting relationships through networking and team collaboration.

Join Us

If you are driven, curious, and passionate about the energy industry, Targa Resources is the place for you. Explore our current openings and find out how your skills and interests align with our needs. We are actively hiring and looking forward to adding innovative and driven individuals to our team.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join us? Prepare your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Our interview process is designed to understand your capabilities and how they align with our goals at Targa Resources. We seek individuals who are ready to step up and make a difference.

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Apply Now

Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities at Targa Resources. Visit our Jobs and Careers page to apply and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us. Your future at Targa Resources is just an application away.

SEARCH TARGA RESOURCES JOBS

Join Targa Resources—where your career is fueled by innovation and growth.
Learn more about Targa Resources
Market Cap
$16.1 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
-$1.5 billion
Founded
2006
5 Year Trend
+20.4%
Revenue
$8.2 billion
NASDAQ
TRGP
* Ladders Estimates

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