Principal Mechanical Engineer Professional Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer (PE Required)

Position Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Houston, TX

Gulf Companies has served the global energy industry since 1953 by supporting the complete project lifecycle and developing valued business partnerships to ensure the success of the project. Our worldwide experience and multi-disciplined capabilities encompass all aspects of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management, Field Inspection, GIS Integrity, Staffing Services and more.

Description

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is knowledgeable in multiple pipeline facilities and is qualified to handle large projects. Works independently. He/she has a wide latitude of technical authority with full work responsibilities as well as limited administrative responsibilities within each project. He/she is the primary producer of mechanical deliverables for the project scope, but on some projects may also need to assign, guide, and review the work of lower-level engineers and designers. Work is periodically reviewed by the Chief Mechanical Engineer for accomplishment of objectives.

Essential Functions

• Prepares, reviews, or approves mechanical engineering calculations.

• Prepares, reviews, or approves mechanical specifications and data sheets.

• Prepares, reviews, or approves material requisitions for equipment, materials, and subcontracts.

• Prepares, reviews, or approves technical bid evaluations for equipment and materials in cooperation with Procurement Department.

• Prepares, reviews, or approves lists (equipment, valve, piping, tie‑in, and specialty items).

• Coordinates, reviews, or approves PFDs, P&IDs, piping plans, and site layouts.

• Coordinates with client personnel relative to mechanical and piping activities.

• Reviews and approves vendor drawings and documents.

• Observes factory acceptance testing of equipment when required.

• Prepares or reviews mechanical engineering deliverable status reports and work plans.

• Reviews the mechanical scope of work to be executed to ensure it matches deliverable logs, project specifications, and/or contract documents, when functioning as LME.

• Open to both short and extended term assignments to the site, client’s office, or similar as may be requested by management.

ADDENDUM: ENGINEERING FACILITIES DEPARTMENT

Mechanical Engineering for pipeline facilities is a highly specialized group whose function is to provide engineering‑design services covering:

Mechanical Equipment and Piping System Design

Develops the optimum systems based upon desired performance, space constraints, reliability, maintainability, flexibility, and cost.

Calculations and Studies

Performs calculations and studies such as the following: piping material selections, liquid and gas line sizing, pipe volume, pressurizing time, purging velocity, blowdown time, orifice sizing, regulator and control valve sizing, relief valve sizing, pump NPSHA, compressed air requirements, fluid properties, building ventilation, pressure testing, and fuel gas heating.

Site Layouts and Piping Plans

Determines location, size, and arrangement of major mechanical equipment and piping. Assist with building layouts.

Process Hazard Analysis

Participates in HAZOP, HAZID, and PHA as required.

Requisitions, Specifications, Data Sheets, Technical Evaluations

Prepares material requisitions with all supporting documents for equipment such as:

• Pressure Vessels and Tanks

• Silencers

• Pumps and Compressors

• Gas Turbines and Engines

• Regulators

• Filters, Scrubbers, and Separators

• Control Valves

• Pipe, Fittings, Valves, and Valve Actuators

• Gas Dehydration Equipment

• Heat Exchangers and Heaters

• Relief Valves

• Meters and Provers

• Gas Coolers

Construction Drawings

Responsible for IFC drawing packages, including:

• PFDs and P&IDs

• Equipment Plot Plans

• Valve lists

• Piping Plans and Details

• Piping line lists

Qualifications

• Typically 10+ years of experience focusing on oil and gas pipeline facilities such as:

• Compressor stations

• Pump stations

• Metering and regulating stations

• Storage terminals

• Loading/unloading facilities

• Knowledgeable in petroleum liquid and gas industry codes and standards published by US Department of Transportation, AGA, ANSI, API, ASME, ASTM, MSS, and NFPA, with the ability to apply the standards to oil and gas pipeline facility systems designs.

• Knowledge of computer systems in an engineering environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

• Professional Engineering License required

• Effective technical skills

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Analytical problem‑solving skills

• Creativity and innovation

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Working conditions are normal for an office environment.

• Frequent sitting and operating a computer.

• Must be