From home heating to agriculture, low-carbon propane plays an essential role in America’s environmentally responsible energy future. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) represents all segments of the propane industry, ensuring it is positioned for the future while still safeguarding the present. As Senior Codes and Standards Engineer, reporting directly to the Vice President of Codes, Standards, and Safety, you will equip our members with the technical knowledge they need to address operational challenges and provide technical expertise for a range of initiatives to support the growth of the industry.
This is a high-profile role that will position you to become an industry expert. You will leverage your knowledge of propane storage, transport, and handling to assist NPGA members and advocate for their interests in the development of nationally recognized codes and standards. As you grow in the position, you will join advisory groups focused on research and development in areas such as vehicle engines, emissions, end-use appliances, propane storage, and renewable fuels. You will also collaborate with partners on energy emissions modeling and assist the VP with committee management, including developing technical content. You will interface with all levels of NPGA staff, our Board of Directors, including the Technology, Standards, and Safety Committee, members, and leading industry experts.
Recognized as one of the cleanest fuels under the Clean Air Act, propane—and increasingly, renewable propane—is a vital part of America's clean energy strategy. With approximately 2,400 member companies in all 50 states, 36 affiliated state or regional associations, and members in 19 countries, NPGA advances safety and promotes the use of propane through sound public policy.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Combining technical expertise with strategic collaboration, your work will support the success of our members, ensure that codes and standards focus on reasonable requirements that improve safety and protect propane stakeholders from undue burdens, and shape propane’s role in a low-carbon future. Key focus areas include:
- Technical Assistance. Conduct technical analyses and provide members with in-depth support on nationally recognized codes and standards, including those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the International Code Council (ICC), and others.
- Advocacy and Standards Development. Participate in the development and refinement of uniform codes and standards, ensuring guidelines align with our members' needs and promote the safe use of propane.
- Collaboration and Representation. Engage industry colleagues to build coalitions aimed at achieving common goals and enhancing the propane industry's reputation and influence. Serve as a liaison to and collaborate with our sister organization, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), and represent NPGA in key meetings and events.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- You’ll enjoy a hybrid schedule with Wednesdays in our Washington, DC, office and an additional flex day each week. You'll have the opportunity to travel domestically (between 8-12 trips annually) for conferences and meetings. We may consider a fully remote schedule for the right match of skills and experience.
- The salary for this role will be competitive and tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications, with a budgeted range of $90K to $110K, and up to $120K for those with a PE license. NPGA offers an outstanding benefits package, including minimal cost medical and dental insurance, transportation benefits, three weeks of PTO your first year plus 14 federal holidays, 401(k) contributions based on years of service (3% in your first year), and more
- NPGA supports your personal and career goals and values your life outside of work. Your colleagues are highly respected industry experts and will support you as you get up to speed. And our members are fantastic—many are family-owned, family-friendly companies that are welcoming and appreciative of our work.
Responsibilities
Technical Expertise
- Act as primary staff engineer to enhance the Association’s mission in support of end users, propane marketers, manufacturers, refiners, suppliers, and installers.
- Review and provide draft material in response to proposals relating to vehicle engines, appliance energy efficiencies, and other technical issues related to propane transportation, storage, and handling.
- Represent NPGA and engage members in meetings within the Technology, Standards, and Safety Committee, other NPGA meetings and activities as called upon, and external codes and standards development committees.
- Support the advocacy of the Legislative, State Affairs, and Regulatory teams by providing technical expertise and input.
- Collaborate with the Communications Team to develop informative reports, documents, and other membership materials.
- Periodically provide seminars to NPGA members and affiliated state propane gas associations to update them on new editions and changes to codes and standards.
NPGA Representation
- Advocate for NPGA policy while developing nationally recognized codes and standards, administered by but not limited to NFPA, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ICC, NIST, NCWM, CSA, ASHRAE, ASTM, Underwriters Laboratories, and more.
- Work with PERC advisory groups on technology development and research related to on- and off-road vehicle engines and emissions, end-use appliances and equipment, and propane storage, transportation, and handling equipment.
- Work with the Gas Technology Institute, the US Government, and PERC to review and utilize energy and emissions modeling programs for the building and transportation sectors.
- Work with related organizations on common interests, including but not limited to the American Gas Association; the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association; the American Public Gas Association; and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, chemical, environmental, or fire protection is ideal) or a related scientific field is required. MS or PE is desired but not required.
- Three (3) or more years of experience working in a regulatory, code, or standards development organization or a related field. Experience producing technical writing, serving on or liaising with advisory committees, and providing technical support for member inquiries is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with environmental, health, and safety compliance or engineering within the energy industry is preferred.
- Process Safety Management (PSM) experience with computer-aided design experience is a plus.
About Us
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is the national trade association representing the US propane industry. Our membership includes small businesses and large corporations engaged in the retail marketing of propane gas and appliances; producers and wholesalers of propane equipment; manufacturers and distributors of propane gas appliances and equipment; fabricators of propane gas cylinders and tanks; and propane transporters.
Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.