Western Midstream
Process Optimization Advisor
at
Western Midstream
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, 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 environmental and safety regulations.
Deep SME background and experience in midstream operations, both gathering and processing.
Ability to work effectively with engineers, other technical team members, field operations personnel, and vendors.
Self‑motivated and able to work both collaboratively and independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, time‑management skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
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 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 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; respond to acute equipment issues, performing diagnostics and implementing corrective actions.
Participate in and support emergency response activities, providing subject‑matter expertise for critical equipment failures and process upsets.
Knowledge Transfer, Training & Documentation: Partner with the operational training department to develop training materials for field personnel; develop, document, and maintain troubleshooting guides and operational best practices.
Create and deliver technical training programs covering equipment operation, performance optimization, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Build and maintain a best‑practice 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 coaching and job shadowing to develop next‑generation technical expertise.
Preventative Maintenance Program Optimization: Validate standard PM plans and frequencies based on runtime performance, equipment condition, and vendor recommendations; collaborate with OEMs and reliability engineering teams; approve and manage pilot programs for changes to standard PM plans.
Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Conduct root‑cause analyses, develop corrective actions, facilitate cross‑functional reliability review sessions, implement systemic 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 (e.g., CAT, Ariel, Waukasha).
Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software such as Project, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Travel Requirements
Travel up to 10% of the time.
Work Schedule
Hybrid schedule: Office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; remote Wednesday and Friday. Monday‑Thursday 9 hours; Friday 4 hours.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Oil and Gas
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at
Western Midstream
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, 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 environmental and safety regulations.
Deep SME background and experience in midstream operations, both gathering and processing.
Ability to work effectively with engineers, other technical team members, field operations personnel, and vendors.
Self‑motivated and able to work both collaboratively and independently.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, time‑management skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
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 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 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; respond to acute equipment issues, performing diagnostics and implementing corrective actions.
Participate in and support emergency response activities, providing subject‑matter expertise for critical equipment failures and process upsets.
Knowledge Transfer, Training & Documentation: Partner with the operational training department to develop training materials for field personnel; develop, document, and maintain troubleshooting guides and operational best practices.
Create and deliver technical training programs covering equipment operation, performance optimization, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Build and maintain a best‑practice 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 coaching and job shadowing to develop next‑generation technical expertise.
Preventative Maintenance Program Optimization: Validate standard PM plans and frequencies based on runtime performance, equipment condition, and vendor recommendations; collaborate with OEMs and reliability engineering teams; approve and manage pilot programs for changes to standard PM plans.
Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Conduct root‑cause analyses, develop corrective actions, facilitate cross‑functional reliability review sessions, implement systemic 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 (e.g., CAT, Ariel, Waukasha).
Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office software such as Project, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Travel Requirements
Travel up to 10% of the time.
Work Schedule
Hybrid schedule: Office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; remote Wednesday and Friday. Monday‑Thursday 9 hours; Friday 4 hours.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Oil and Gas
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