LNG Optimization Process Engineer

Company: NextDecade
Location: Brownsville
Posted on: February 12, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower-carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure and cost-effective energy through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction capacity at Rio Grande LNG. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development, sufficient space at the site for up to 10 liquefaction trains, and a potential carbon capture and storage project. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com. SUMMARY OF THE ROLE The Optimization Process Engineer role will collaborate with several departments to optimize the value chain safely, reliably, and sustainably. This includes developing tools, monitoring production, identifying opportunities, and providing technical guidance during commissioning, start-up, and steady state operations. This position will work a normal dayshift schedule but must be available to provide off-hour support as needed. This position is located at the RGLNG facility near Brownsville, TX. KEY RESPONSIBILIES: Maintain a ‘Safety First’ attitude and be a safety leader. Reviewing and monitoring performances, deviations and developing tools. Providing technical guidance to safely and sustainably optimize the value chain; feed gas supply, units, production, ship loading, power usage, and minimize emissions. Reviewing production events and maintaining the loss database, identifying opportunities, and validating emission events. Contributing towards planning activities and benchmarking exercises. Maintaining the Production Databook. Ensuring compliance with all RGLNG procedures and policies. Updating and maintaining documents and procedures related to plant optimization and loss management. Adhering to the Operations Department Operations Management System. Working closely with the Engineering department in identifying and implementing improvement initiatives, processes, and projects. Providing inputs into MOCs relating to production optimization, reductions in production risks and ensuring they are within the RGLNG Safe Operating Envelope. Utilizing the dynamic simulator to validate process improvement recommendations. Recommending and facilitating performance tests. May require travelling for meetings and/or training. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Engineering degree or extensive engineering experience with a focus on process engineering or operations. Minimum 5 years of LNG experience Ability to acquire Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) Experience in plant optimization Extensive natural gas and LNG process operations experience Experience in influencing, motivating, mentoring, coaching, and supporting a diverse team. Knowledge of APCI liquefaction process Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations. Ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Skilled knowledge in providing constructive feedback for continuous development of the tools. Highly motivated with time management and organizational skills along with excellent listening and communication skills. Computer literate including proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledgeable of computer-based maintenance programs. Adaptability to manage changes in work environment in regard to adhering to updated deadlines or unexpected delays. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: APCI experience highly preferred Experience with dynamic simulations. Job Site Work Environment · Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions. · Operates in a complex construction environment. · Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions. · Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions. · Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits. · Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction. · Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job. · Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required. · Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations. · Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift. · The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities. · Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance. · Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. · Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods. · May be required to enter confined spaces. · May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. *In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. NEXTDECADE VALUES · Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us. · Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do. · Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions. · Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work. · Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders. · Diversity – We value diversity of experiences and thoughts. It takes people with different strengths and backgrounds to make our company succeed. NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Keywords: NextDecade, Mission , LNG Optimization Process Engineer, Energy / Utilities , Brownsville, Texas