DescriptionSME Paraffin&Asphaltene(Tomball/Hempstead hybrid)This posting is not for a current vacancy. We are accepting applications for anticipated future openings and will contact qualified applicants as positions become available.
SUMMARYAs the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for paraffin and asphaltene control, you will serve as the company's technical authority on organic deposition in oil production, gathering, and transport systems. You will diagnose paraffin and asphaltene problems in customer systems, design and validate chemical treatment programs, guide laboratory and third-party test selection, and support product development. Working closely with Technical Services, field sales and service personnel, laboratory staff, R&D, and customer engineering and operations teams, you will translate laboratory and field data into effective, cost-efficient treatment recommendations that keep customers' wells and pipelines flowing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Serve as the company's technical authority on paraffin (wax) and asphaltene deposition, providing expert guidance to Technical Services, field personnel, sales, and customers.
- Diagnose organic deposition problems in customer systems by evaluating all available data
- Design, recommend, and optimize chemical treatment programs, including paraffin inhibitors, pour point depressants, paraffin dispersants and solvents, and asphaltene inhibitors and dispersants.
- Select and advise appropriate laboratory test methods, such as wax appearance temperature (WAT), pour point, cold finger, rheology, SARA analysis, asphaltene dispersant testing (ADT), asphaltene onset determination, and other methods.
- Scope, compare, and manage third-party laboratory testing, including test plans, quotes, schedules, and cost estimates, and review results for validity.
- Develop and lead field trials and performance monitoring programs with clear, measurable success criteria and report results to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Support R&D and product development by defining performance requirements, evaluating new chemistries, and helping develop and refine internal test methods.
- Coordinate testing and product qualification timelines with supply chain and bulk order deadlines so that treatment decisions are supported by data.
- Act as the technical lead during deposition-related upsets, plugging events, and production losses, recommending remediation and preventive measures to minimize downtime.
- Train and mentor Technical Services, field, and sales personnel on paraffin and asphaltene fundamentals, test interpretation, treatment selection, and troubleshooting.
- Prepare clear technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for customers and company leadership.
- Stay current with industry research, test methods, and emerging technologies related to organic deposition and flow assurance chemistry.
- Responsible for performing job duties in compliance with RCRA hazardous waste requirements, including proper handling, labeling, storage, and management of hazardous waste in accordance with applicable procedures and training.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, QUALIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or a related discipline. An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) is preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in oilfield production chemistry or flow assurance, with a primary focus on paraffin and asphaltene control.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with paraffin and asphaltene laboratory testing and with designing and implementing chemical treatment programs in the field.
- In-depth knowledge of crude oil chemistry and phase behavior, including wax precipitation and deposition, asphaltene stability.
- Working knowledge of related production chemistry issues that interact with organic deposition, such as emulsions, scale, and naphthenates.
- Working knowledge of specific chemistries and products as it relates to paraffin and asphaltene treatments.
- Familiarity with relevant industry test methods and standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to integrate laboratory, field, and production data to identify root causes and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Ability to judge the strengths and limitations of different test methods and to design testing that represents actual field conditions.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical findings and recommendations clearly to customers, field personnel, sales, and leadership.
- Proven track record of improving paraffin and asphaltene treatment programs
- Ability to manage multiple customer projects, and deadlines at the same time while collaborating across teams.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate test records, documentation, and reports.
- Ability and willingness to travel to customer field locations, laboratories, and company facilities as required, sometimes remote locations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with thermodynamic or flow assurance modeling software is a plus.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS- Must complete and pass all required pre-employment screenings.
This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned or re-assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
