Graduate Engineer
🔍 Midland, Texas
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Graduate Engineer is an entry‑level, developmental role designed to build foundational engineering capability through hands‑on exposure to Targa’s midstream assets, including gas gathering systems, processing plants, compression facilities, fractionators, terminals, and transmission pipeline infrastructure. This position supports safe, reliable, and cost‑effective asset performance by assisting experienced engineers, project managers, and operations personnel across the full asset and project lifecycle. The role emphasizes learning core engineering principles, understanding field execution, and developing judgment through mentorship and practical application.
JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide day‑to‑day engineering support to operating assets under supervision, including assistance with troubleshooting, optimization, and maintenance‑related projects.
Assist with mechanical and piping design tasks, including layouts for process equipment, pipe racks, modules, and packaged units, with attention to constructability, maintainability, and access.
Support review of vendor drawings, data sheets, and calculations for general conformance with project specifications and applicable codes.
Assist with civil and structural design activities such as equipment foundations, pipe supports, grading, drainage, and access considerations.
Support development of piping layouts considering thermal expansion, support spacing, guides, anchors, restraints, and vibration awareness.
Assist with pipeline‑related engineering calculations and documentation (e.g., MAOP/MOP support calculations, external loading, and alignment considerations).
Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, including PHA participation, documentation support, and tracking of action items under guidance.
Assist with field walkdowns, constructability reviews, and coordination with operations, construction, and inspection personnel.
Support preparation and review of engineering deliverables, including PFDs, P&IDs, plot plans, piping plans, isometrics, and alignment sheets.
Assist with sizing and specification efforts for mechanical equipment such as separators, vessels, filters, tanks, heat exchangers, air coolers, pumps, and compressors (training / support role).
Support development of project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and material takeoffs.
Provide engineering support during construction, commissioning, startup, and as‑built documentation.
Gain exposure to and apply industry codes, standards, and regulations including API, ASME (B31.3 / B31.4 / B31.8 and Section VIII), DOT 192/195, and NFPA, with increasing responsibility over time.
Utilize engineering tools and software (e.g., ProMax, Pipeline Toolbox, spreadsheets, and internal systems) as appropriate to assignments.
Actively seek feedback, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate technical and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.
CORE VALUES & BEHAVIORS
Demonstrate integrity, accountability, initiative, and respect in all work activities.
Maintain a strong safety‑first mindset and comply with company policies, standards, and regulatory requirements (DOT, OSHA, API, ASME, NFPA).
Exhibit a strong willingness to learn, take direction, and ask questions.
Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, field personnel, and external stakeholders.
Work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment across engineering, operations, and construction functions.
Maintain professionalism, reliability, and positive work ethic.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited four‑year university.
Entry‑level position (0–2 years of professional experience).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25%, including field and plant environments.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience related to:
Natural gas gathering or transmission pipelines
Compression facilities or gas processing plants
Construction, operations, or maintenance environments
Exposure to industry standards such as API, ASME, or DOT.
Familiarity with engineering or analysis software (process simulation, pipeline tools, or similar).
Interest in long‑term development within engineering, projects, or operations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ability to work safely in office, plant, and field environments.
Ability to comply with PPE requirements including hard hat, eye protection, steel‑toe footwear, and fire‑retardant clothing (FRC).
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, climb, kneel, squat, and work in variable weather and operating conditions.
Ability to access active construction and operating facilities, including areas with limited space.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Targa Resources provides equal employment opportunities based on merit, experience, and other job-related criteria without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We value the unique contributions each employee brings to their role.