The Skills You Need to Be a Top Pipeline Engineer

At TRS Staffing Solutions (TRS) our engineering recruiters are results-driven specialists who value integrity, safety, teamwork, and excellence, always keeping these principles in mind when connecting you with your next opportunity.

Below we explore the non-technical side of a pipeline job, taking into consideration the key skills that are necessary for a pipeline engineer to grow their career.

A career as a top pipeline engineer encompasses more than just technical know-how and relevant experience. Pipeline jobs involve a multitude of skills that extend further than the application of mathematical and physical theory, such as creativity, adaptability, and communication. 

What are the key skills needed for a pipeline engineering job?

In today’s crowded marketplace, soft skills play a hugely important role in landing a top pipeline job. 

It’s not enough to have the technical know-how, but rather to have a varied skillset to set you apart from the competition, as well as an awareness of engineering trends and developments no matter what sector you work in. 

The multifaceted nature of engineering and the challenges that pipeline engineers face means that engineers need to engage with more than the task at hand - they must engage with the bigger picture. 

We’ve compiled four areas that assist in setting you apart in pipeline jobs.

1. Communicate effectively

Engineers can tend to prioritise technical skills over communication skills, but communication is an essential skill for pipeline engineers. 

Pipeline engineers cannot be successful in their jobs without being able to speak, write, and listen effectively. Interaction with others, whether internally or externally, can lead to misunderstandings without an effective line of communication at all times.

 2.Display innovation

Creativity drives innovation, and innovation drives success. 

There is an on-going need for those in technical jobs to possess a creative skillset because it is this innovation that leads to pioneering thinking, and the development of products and services. 

In the field of pipeline engineering, innovation is just as valuable as technical skills to help identify and amend errors.

 3.Adapt accordingly

Top pipeline engineers benefit greatly from being able to adapt to challenges that are thrown their way. Having the ability and understanding to adjust accordingly to different environments and situations is what sets leading pipeline engineers apart from mediocre ones. 

Adaptability can be demonstrated by pipeline engineers being able to think on their feet, shrewdly assess problems, and find solutions.

 4. Show leadership

In the context of pipeline engineering, showing leadership is about being bold, making decisions in the face of uncertainty, and delivering a project on time even if there are obstacles in the way. 

 Pipeline engineers with strong leadership skills are able to assess any risks and take the initiative needed to see projects through to completion 

How do these skills benefit pipeline engineering careers?

Top pipeline engineers need a varied skillset to be successful in solving real-world problems, rather than relying on technical expertise alone. 

No pipeline engineer can be expected to deal with certain challenges that arise single-handedly, and so it is through communication and collaboration with individuals from different sectors and cultures in which they will thrive.

In addition, those in top pipeline jobs should have inquisitive minds, in order to come up with innovative solutions to problems and inspire creativity within their field. They should also be adaptable, and know how to adjust to new surroundings, to ensure a project runs successfully. Keen leadership skills are also essential for pipeline engineers to be able to function at a top level.

All of these soft skills are critical for pipeline engineers to flourish in their field. In addition to the technical expertise needed for pipeline jobs, engineers who can also demonstrate that they have a well-rounded and varied skillset will certainly add value in the field of pipeline engineering.

Source your next pipeline job with TRS

At TRS, we have a wide range of pipeline job opportunities, from Spain and the Netherlands to the Middle East. 

To browse the latest vacancies, visit the Pipeline Engineering Jobs section and apply today.