Are you looking for a contracted or full-time position within Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)? On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about finding a job in the global LNG trade - including details on the qualifications required.
What career opportunities are available in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)?
LNG is natural gas in liquid state. Natural gas is an important source of energy across the world. In some countries, it’s even ahead of coal, nuclear and renewable options as an essential energy source. Demand for LNG imports is increasing, especially in Asia, as it is considered a transition fuel that can help in the move to a low-carbon future. In order to keep up with demand, energy companies constantly search to acquire new fields and maximise their yields.
Natural gas engineers are vital to this process, as they perform the analysis and planning behind the extraction technologies to enable effective collection. They tend to have a STEM background and will normally have a degree in engineering - a prerequisite for most natural gas engineer positions. Natural gas engineers must also be licensed by their appropriate body.
The job of a natural gas engineer is to extract as much of the resource from the earth as possible. They determine the best strategy based on factors such as geological conditions and the volume of natural gas already present on site.
Development of wells is a costly endeavour which carries a constant risk of investing in a site with little or no salable gas. This often means meticulous research of a site both before and during the project. Due to these and other challenges, natural gas engineers frequently work long hours.
Responsibilities within an LNG career typically include:
- Producing mathematical models to forecast the amount of gas in liquid form that can be extracted from a field
- Designing wells, pipe networks and surface facilities required for producing and transporting natural gas
- Outlining the scope for using specialist technology and surveillance data to monitor the quantity and flow of oil and gas being extracted
- Proposing improvements to maximise production (such as flow rate enhancement)
- Overseeing the progress and work of the well operations
- Ensuring all design and operations meet health, safety and environmental regulations
- Liaising with other professionals such as geologists or engineers (as well as contractors, suppliers and clients)
- Writing reports for management.
Which countries are the largest producers of natural gas?
- United States - America is one of the world’s biggest producers of natural gas and petroleum. In 2011, it surpassed Russia in becoming the world’s biggest natural gas producer.
- Russia - Russia is the second largest natural gas producer, and produces more than 669 billion cubic meters of gas per annum. The country is also the world’s largest exporter of natural gas, shipping an estimated 196 bcm every year.
- Australia - Australia has an abundant supply of natural gas both onshore and offshore. Based on current production, it has enough natural gas for more than 50 years. In fact, it’s Australia’s third biggest energy resource, following coal and uranium.
- Qatar - A leading LNG exporter, Qatar’s energy supply is produced almost exclusively by natural gas (99.2%); the rest is made up by oil.
- Mozambique - Mozambique is the third largest proven natural gas reserves holder in Africa, after Nigeria and Algeria. The country holds 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves . In 2016 alone, it produced an estimated 200 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Who employs LNG engineers?
LNG engineer vacancies are advertised by heavy industry, major oil and gas, engineering or mining facilities worldwide. There is a global demand for this role so it’s common for employers to recruit new talent internationally.
Typical employers include:
- Operating companies (usually oil companies) that hold exploration and production licences
- Drilling companies
- Heavy Industry and construction facilities.
What qualifications do I need to excel in LNG?
This is an advanced role so you will require a good mix of experience alongside multiple qualifications and skills.
Essential qualifications:
- Higher education in a discipline related to engineering
- Field of expertise in oil and gas industry for onshore projects
- Understanding of fundamentals in Non-Destructive and Destructive Examinations
- Full knowledge of applicable safety codes, standards, regulations and EC Directives
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Certifications or equivalent in NDE practices.
Essential skills:
- Focused and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
- High degree of attention to detail and organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines independently and as part of a team
- Able to explain scientific or technical information in simple terms to wider teams
- Confident enough to make unpopular decisions
- Tactful and able to get on well with people from all backgrounds and professionals from other disciplines.
To work offshore, you must have the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). Many people do the course at their own expense before looking for work. In other cases, some companies sponsor new employees through the course.
Why Airswift?
Airswift has helped place LNG specialists for over 40 years globally. We have 60 physical offices across the globe and a host of networks throughout international markets. We understand that the energy processing and infrastructure sectors can be demanding which is why we focus heavily on helping our candidates get placed.
We also have an international presence with more than 60 offices across the globe.Airswift is an international entity with head offices in Singapore, Manchester and Houston. We can help you find onshore and offshore pipefitter jobs in countries all over the world.
If your job requires you to relocate overseas, we can make the transition as smooth as possible. We can provide support for travel, documentation, housing and more.
Are you an employer looking for an engineer with LNG experience?
If you’re an employer or hiring manager looking for applicants for employment, we can help. Airswift can take care of all details when it comes to HR such as:
- Contract negotiation
- Background checks
- Drug screens
This will give you more time to run your business.
Contact Airswift
Get started with your LNG careers search by uploading your CV on this page. We look forward to helping you find your next job!
