What do you get when you combine a slingshot, a fish tank, a stack of 2-by-4s and five engineering students determined to help the United States Air Force? A device to stop high-velocity projectiles without destroying them.

Motiva Enterprises LLC, Houston, reported the completion of the 325,000-b/d expansion at its refinery in Port Arthur, Tex.

The Talley Group has just received several engineering-related positions in the Western United States. These opportunities need to be filled at companies ranging from small firms to Fortune 500.

These clients are looking for qualified individuals with distinct engineering backgrounds to fill permanent positions.

OBD Validation Engineer (2 Openings)
Our client in Western Washington has two openings for those experienced in on-board diagnostics.

This is a great position for someone who enjoys the mechanics of engineering, but also desires to take on a leadership role. The work will include:

• developing test strategies for OBD validation
• conducting OBD validation tests and interpreting results
• budgeting and scheduling the validation projects
• recommending and implementing process improvements
• possible mentoring of junior engineers and technicians.

We are looking for an independent self-starter that is also adaptable to teamwork. A BSME is required or an equivalent degree with three to five years of relevant work experience. You must also have an in-depth knowledge of OBD systems and validation strategies. Be ready to communicate, analyze, present and manage multiple projects. Experience with Class 8 diesel trucks is desired for this opportunity.

Powertrain Validation Engineer
If you like the rev of an engine and seeing the power of a vehicle on the road, this position is for you.

Our client in Western Washington is looking for a powertrain validation engineer. The prime candidate will not only manage and serve as the main communicator in the powertrain testing projects, but will get their hands dirty testing the products as well. Position responsibilities include:

• Developing and conducting test plans to validate powertrain components meet design and performance requirements upon installation
• Analyzation, interpretation and presentation of test results
• Communicating with requestors to manage, budget and schedule project requirements
• Designing fixtures and specifying instrumentation, equipment, vehicles, loading configurations, and data processing techniques.
• Verifying that equipment meets specific requirements
• Undertaking projects of significant scope

Off-site testing requires up to 10% travel.

The desirable candidate will have a BS degree in an appropriate engineering discipline or PE license with two to six years of relevant work experience. They must also be able to work and communicate effectively in a team environment. The position also requires flexibility and an initiative to respond to project demands. Ten percent travel is also required.

Aftertreatment Development Engineer

Interested in working in a creative environment that prides itself on innovation and generating world class products? Check out this aftertreatment development engineer position in Western Washington.

Use your knowledge to develop an optimal in-vehicle diesel exhaust aftertreatment system. This industry finds emissions an ongoing struggle to deal with. Be part of the future by recommending optimal calibration guidelines and performance specifications. You will also be required to:

• Define and specify control strategies for diesel exhaust aftertreatment systems
• Develop and implement test plans to verify aftertreatment hardware and software performance on test rigs, Hardware-in-the-loop systems and in-vehicle.
• Coordinate with other divisions to support successful product launch.

The ideal candidate has a BS in the appropriate technical field, two to three years of relevant work experience in truck or automotive engine/aftertreatment system controls, and familiarity with active diesel particulate filters, urea selective catalytic reduction systems, NoX reduction systems, diesel engines and Class 5-8 vehicles and exhaust systems, in-vehicle engine calibration and data acquisition systems, OBD and engine control systems.

The candidate should also be able to work independently or part of a team, communicate effectively, use self-directed analysis and engineering judgment, and manage a demanding and flexible workload. An ability to travel 10% of the time is also desired.

Contact The Talley Group for more information on applying for these positions.

Trinidad and Tobago could continue suffering a shortage in its natural gas production until 2014 as the country’s largest supplier, BP Trinidad & Tobago, said it will not be able to return to its highest production levels until most of its infrastructure upgrade is complete towards the end of 2013-14.

Gunvor Group Ltd., Nicosia, Cyprus, signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of Petroplus’s Ingolstadt refinery and related German marketing activities.

The Obama administration’s stated all-of-the-above energy strategy favors alternative and renewable sources and discourages fossil fuels, a US House committee chairman charged.

Energy prices fell across the board May 30 as the euro’s drop to a 2-year low drove investors away from risky commodities and into US government bonds that are among the safest investments anywhere.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd. spudded the Banambu Deep-1 wildcat in the Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia as part of its campaign to prove up gas reserves for the Pluto LNG project extension.