Bending Engineer - IP Proposal

Olgoonik is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview:

The Bending Engineer (Pipe Bender) is responsible for producing precise steel pipeline bends using hydraulic bending machines according to project specifications, alignment sheets, and engineering requirements. This role ensures bends are accurate, defect-free, and meet all client, regulatory, and industry standards (API 5L, API 1104, ASME). The Bending Engineer works closely with the Foreman, Welders, Operators, and Inspectors to ensure fit-up, alignment, and construction flow.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Operates hydraulic bending machines to create field bends on steel pipe (typically 6"-48"+ OD).
• Reads and interprets bend data from alignment sheets, engineer drawings, and bend cards.
• Sets up bending equipment, clamps, and mandrels to ensure accurate and consistent bends.
• Performs cold bends to the required radius, degree, and orientation while preventing buckles or wrinkles.
• Verifies bend angles, measurements, and alignment using levels, protractors, lasers, and string-line methods.
• Inspects pipe before bending for defects, wall thickness, ovality, coating damage, or deformities.
• Ensures bends meet tolerance requirements for:
  • Degree of bend
  • Ovality limits
  • Wall thinning
  • Bend radius
  • Orientation/clocking
• Prevents and corrects issues such as wrinkling, excessive flattening, doglegs, or out-of-plane bends.
• Works closely with inspectors to approve each bend prior to installation.
• Operates bending machines, mandrels, clamps, and hydraulic systems safely and efficiently.
• Performs daily inspections on the machine, hydraulic hoses, gauges, rollers, and safety systems.
• Reports mechanical issues immediately and coordinates maintenance or repairs.
• Keeps equipment clean, lubricated, calibrated, and in proper working condition.
• Follows all company, client, and OSHA safety requirements related to hydraulic pressure, pinch points, and heavy equipment.
• Maintains exclusion zones and ensures all personnel stay clear during bending operations.
• Participates in daily JSAs, toolbox talks, and hazard assessments.
• Ensures proper communication with spotters, operators, and ground personnel.
• Works with the foreman and engineer to determine bend locations and sequences.
• Communicates with welders and operators to ensure proper placement and orientation for fit-up.
• Coordinates pipe movement, alignment, and staging with operators and labor hands.
• Ensures bending keeps pace with production and installation schedules.
• Maintains accurate bend logs, including:
  • Pipe heat numbers
  • Wall thickness
  • Degree and radius of bends
  • Clocking orientation
  • Inspector approvals
• Reports bends completed, rejected, or reworked to the foreman and superintendent.
• Addresses bending challenges involving:
  • Terrain variations
  • Tight locations
  • Multiple compound bends
  • Steep elevation changes
• Makes recommendations for alternative bend geometry or field adjustments.
• Prevents unnecessary cut-outs, repairs, or pipe waste through precision and planning.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No supervisory responsibilities are associated with this position.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years experience bending steel pipe on midstream pipeline projects.
• Experience using hydraulic bending machines such as CRC-Evans, Darby, or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong ability to read alignment sheets, engineering drawings, bend data, and field instructions.
• Deep understanding of steel pipe behavior, cold bending limitations, and quality requirements.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safety, precision, and production efficiency.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• N/A

Security Clearance:

• N/A

Physical Demands:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to occasionally stand; walk; sit; use hands and/or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; operate office equipment, reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

General office environment. Travel may be required based on business demands.

Olgoonik is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an Alaska Native corporation, Olgoonik provides hiring preference to Olgoonik shareholders, descendants, and their spouses to the extent allowed by law.