Plains

Project Standards Intern

Houston, TX Full time

Job Type:

Intern/Student (Fixed Term)

Powering people, fueling the future. At Plains, we believe in the value energy brings to people, communities, and businesses, today and for generations to come. Our people play a vital role in transporting North American energy to where it’s needed. Plains moves more than 8 million barrels per day of crude oil and NGLs to power communities, spark innovation and fuel quality of life.

New to the midstream energy sector? No problem! Plains offers a comprehensive formal training program, featuring on-the-job training, companywide learning series, online educational tools (see sample) and student programs. 

Fueled by our strong leadership team and a dedicated employee base, combined with our expertise in marketing, logistics and our asset base, Plains is well-positioned to provide our customers with flexible, value-added services now and in the future.

About this student opportunity  

At Plains, students are vital members of our team, driving our business forward with their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. From day one, you’ll feel empowered to ask questions and truly be part of our collaborative culture.

We offer students the chance to build professional networks by working alongside skilled professionals, mentors, and fellow students. Our student programs provide hands-on experience within the oil and gas midstream sector and opportunities for students to take on higher level projects depending on their skills and career interests.

Plains has a 3-month Engineering Intern opportunity available based in our downtown Houston office that will commence on May 18, 2026.  The Internship Program will provide exceptional students interested in the oil and gas industry an opportunity to continue their professional development with the best in the business.

The successful candidate will be exposed to sub-disciplines within Engineering that will put the knowledge obtained through university into practice. The successful candidate will also participate in several meaningful projects that are designed to both impact the bottom line of Plains business success and develop skills necessary for our graduate opportunities that strong performing interns may become eligible for upon graduation.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist Project Standards manager with performing project health checks and analyzing the status of engineering projects;

  • Assist Project Development group as needed in providing commercial teams with technical, scope, cost, and schedule support for proposed project opportunities;

  • Support the development of quarterly project lookback presentations to upper management which give visibility to project performance against execution and economic metrics;

  • Collection and organization of data, economic model manipulation, spreadsheet, and presentation development;

  • Participate in the Operations Management System to gain an understanding of how the PDCA cycle improves business and project processes;

  • Support Project Controls group with various ad hoc data collection and reporting; and

  • Assist Project Controls group with creating and enhancing reports and templates.

Qualifications:

  • Interns must be pursuing an undergraduate (bachelors) degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Construction, Industrial, Systems, or Electrical Engineering;

  • Previous work terms are considered an asset;

  • Ideal candidates are analytical, creative, connected, and entrepreneurial;

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Oracle;

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;

  • Proven flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing business conditions;

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating strong analytical and organizational skills;

  • Preference will be given to a student who will be returning to university to finish their undergraduate degree following the completion of this work term;

  • Interns must be able and willing to relocate themselves to Houston for the entire duration of the work term;

  • The successful candidate must comply with the Company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy including pre-employment testing;

  • The successful candidate must provide satisfactory references and complete a Criminal Background Check; and

  • This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.

How to ace your interview:

  • Application Essentials: Include your resume, cover letter, and transcript.

  • Stay Updated: Check your email (including junk folder) frequently.

  • Preparation Tips:

As a student at Plains you'll receive a competitive compensation, industry leading work experience, and the opportunity to take part in a variety of social events with colleague

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. Learn more.

All applicants not chosen for an interview shall have all personal information permanently deleted or disposed of with the exception of their resume, which will be kept on file in the event that another suitable position becomes available.