Mechanical Engineer - Static Equipment

About the role

KBR Technology specializes in developing and licensing energy-efficient and cost-effective process technologies that provide economic and technical advantages to global oil and gas and petrochemical companies. With thousands of successful projects worldwide, KBR combines its technology expertise with full engineering, procurement and construction services to help clients maximize the value of their assets.

KBR Technology offers a breadth of technology licenses, catalysts, and process equipment for Ammonia and Fertilizer, Synthesis Gas / Syngas, Olefins, Coal Gasification, Refining, Hydrogen and Organic Chemicals. Serving our customers through diverse business segments, we offer challenging assignments on some of the world's largest and most complex projects where our clients have come to value us because We Deliver.

KBR is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer - Static Equipment to support a growing portfolio of projects and operational assets across the United States.

Based in Houston, TX, this role serves as a technical subject matter expert responsible for the design, specification, evaluation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support of static process equipment, with a primary focus on pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and related systems.

The successful candidate will partner closely with engineering, operations, fabrication, and client teams to resolve complex technical challenges, support project execution, and ensure equipment reliability, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, perform site-based troubleshooting, and directly interface with clients, vendors, and stakeholders while supporting critical business and operational objectives across the U.S. portfolio.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to

• Design, specify, evaluate, and troubleshoot a variety of static mechanical equipment, including:
• Pressure vessels
• Shell-and-tube heat exchangers
• Air coolers and fired heaters
• Atmospheric storage tanks
• Packaged equipment and utility systems
• Material handling and solids processing equipment
• Develop equipment datasheets, specifications, technical requisitions, bid evaluations, and purchase recommendations.
• Review and approve vendor drawings, calculations, fabrication documents, and technical submittals.
• Provide technical support during fabrication, inspection, testing, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Conduct site visits to operating facilities to troubleshoot equipment issues, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Interface directly with clients, operations teams, vendors, licensors, and project stakeholders to resolve technical challenges and support project objectives.
• Perform fitness-for-service assessments, equipment evaluations, and reliability improvements where required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and client requirements.
• Support multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinate activities with process, piping, structural, and project engineering personnel.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to designers and less experienced engineers.
• Lead mechanical engineering activities for smaller projects or manage a major segment of larger capital projects.
• Support cost, schedule, quality, and performance objectives throughout project execution.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10-15 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience supporting industrial, petrochemical, refining, chemical, energy, or manufacturing facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, analysis, specification, and troubleshooting of:
• Pressure vessels
• Heat exchangers
• Other static process equipment
• Experience supporting field operations, plant troubleshooting, and site-based engineering activities.
• Ability to effectively interface with clients, vendors, fabricators, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong understanding of applicable industry codes and standards, including:
• ASME Section VIII
• API standards related to static equipment
• Experience reviewing vendor documentation and supporting procurement and fabrication activities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel to project and operating sites as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel globally up to 30% of the time, with occasional extended assignments based on project requirements.
• Flexibility to work across global time zones and collaborate with international teams.
• Experience in one or more of the below mentions is preferred.
• Construction, commissioning, or industrial project site environments.
• Fabrication, manufacturing, or shop operations.
• Technology, engineering, or industrial services organizations.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Chartered Engineer certification.
• Experience working for EPC organizations, owner/operators, equipment manufacturers, fabricators, or technology licensors.
• Background supporting equipment fabrication, manufacturing, inspection, or shop operations.
• Experience with brownfield projects, asset integrity programs, and reliability improvements.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams or serving as a discipline lead.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of static equipment design and mechanical integrity principles.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex engineering issues and develop practical solutions.
• Sound engineering judgment and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective project planning, organization, and coordination skills.
• Ability to balance technical requirements, operational needs, safety considerations, and project objectives.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

We Deliver - Together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

• At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.
• These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.
• That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow.
• We Deliver - Together.