Sr. Operations Specialist – Compression
SM Energy
Midland, TX · Posted November 11, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at SM Energy
More in Texas job market · Energy & Utilities · Operations jobs
More roles at SM Energy
- Sr. Facilities Engineer - Projects · Midland, TX
- Sr. Drilling Engineer · Midland, TX
- Sr. Operations Specialist - Production · Midland, TX
- Sr. Production Engineer · Midland, TX
- Sr. Division Order Analyst · Denver, CO
- SAP Systems Analyst · Denver, CO
Similar jobs
- Operations Analyst · Bank of America · Plano, TX
- Senior Operations Specialist - Estate Team · Mid Oregon Credit Union · Austin, TX
- Senior Operations Specialist - Wealth Advisors Group · Mid Oregon Credit Union · Austin, TX
- Decision Science Analyst · Berkley W R · Irving, TX
- Product Operations Analyst · Mckesson · Irving, TX
- Sr. Systems Analyst - Epic Research · Texas Children's Hospital · TX
Where Midland, TX ranks
Where Midland, TX placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #3Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the Southwest25% · of 37
- #5Best college towns for junior jobs in the Southwest37% · of 32
- #5Best cities for junior jobs in Texas36% · of 31
- #6Best cities for junior jobs in the Southwest36% · of 44
- #12Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Southwest54% · of 44
- #16Cities with the most jobs that need no experience in the Southwest1.3% · of 43
Rankings about operations jobs
- Best cities for operations jobs #1 New York (1,429 openings)
- Best cities for operations pay after cost of living #1 Reston ($177k)
- Most requested AI skills in operations jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (2.5%)
- AI tools named most often in operations jobs #1 Claude (0.28%)
- Employers with the most operations jobs #1 Amazon (1,480 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among operations research analysts, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for operations research analysts: 43% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
This position is responsible for the daily optimization of gas/electric rotating equipment involving vapor recovery and gas lift compression for their areas, including the identification of problems or potential problems. Recommending and making changes to compression equipment, settings, documentation, reporting and training operators on changes.
Primary Job Responsibilities :
Monitor compression trends, to minimize downtime and maximize production.
Monitor compression equipment performance, failures, and failure root causes.
Identify optimization opportunities from adjustments to compression equipment and settings.
Troubleshoot ongoing field operational issues related to vapor recovery and gas lift equipment.
Collaborate with engineering upon compressor PSSR’s.
Oversee compressor start up’s and build out pre and post start up commissioning reports.
Work with production teams to develop and conduct lease operator training on compressor operations.
On-the-job training with less experienced team members.
Manage vendors and develop long term relationships, set expectations and regularly review runtime performance.
Work closely with the air and compliance teams to understand the regulations and hold vendors to these standards.
Work in all weather conditions including rain, snow, mud, etc. – work is performed in hazardous driving and working conditions all seasons of the year.
Operate a vehicle safely in all weather conditions to drive to and from oil and gas equipment located in rural/open range country.
Follow safe operating practices and ensure compliance with all SM Energy Environment, Safety & Regulatory requirements.
Assure work performed adheres to SM Energy standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Competencies:
Strong mechanical ability and demonstrated ability to optimize compression and minimize downtime.
Knowledge of basic oil & gas processing equipment.
Basic computer skills (e.g., e-mail, Word, Excel).
Ability to work on all forms of compression including gas / electric styles
Proficient in compression failure diagnoses/troubleshooting
Ability to repair equipment, as needed, and read equipment gauges on compressor equipment.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and maneuver heavy objects.
Proven ability to multi-task and meet stringent deadlines with a positive and helpful “can-do” attitude.
Demonstrated knowledge of safe work behavior and habits.
Ability to work independently and effectively with a diverse group.
Work well with all field team members along with all office support needs.
Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Education & Experience :
8+ years’ oil & gas field compression, operations or adjacent field.
Trade school or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
Physical Demands:
Work in various weather conditions and environments
Move, transport, and position equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Manipulate valves, gauges, and other control mechanisms
Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel between well sites**
Ability to climb up to 30 feet in height and function without fear
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time ** Must meet and maintain eligibility requirements to drive a company vehicle OR valid state driver’s license and clean driving record
SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com) .
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.