Lead Mechanical Engineer

HDR, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Industrial team in Houston, TX. You will lead mechanical design on multiple projects for hydrocarbon storage and transport facilities, collaborating with electrical, instrumentation and civil/structural engineers.

This role involves delivering P&ID drawings, pipe layouts, and isometrics, performing sizing and stress analyses, supporting procurement, and guiding project teams from conception through startup while maintaining schedule and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in related field.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and lead teams.
• Active participation in employee-owned culture is valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as mechanical lead on multiple projects and manage workload across schedule.
• Coordinate work of Mechanical Engineers with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Produce mechanical design drawings including P&IDs, piping plans, and isometrics.
• Perform project calculations including sizing, hydraulics, stress analysis, and venting studies.
• Provide procurement support including equipment specs and bid evaluations.
• Travel for site inspections, client meetings, and field support during install/testing/start-up.
• Lead client design reviews and manage scope changes.
• Support proposals with scope development, manpower loading, and project scheduling.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to ensure package integrity and client updates.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Multitasking

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

P&ID drafting

Job description

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well‑known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high‑performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

We believe industry drives progress. As part of our Industrial sector, you'll help shape efficient, advanced infrastructure and environmental stewardship. We partner with clients across industries to responsibly optimize processes, modernize facilities and solve complex challenges. Our work spans the full project life cycle, from up‑front evaluation and planning studies through design and into construction monitoring and operations. You can help clients push boundaries and meet evolving industrial demands while supporting resilient infrastructure and responsible growth. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to engineer smarter solutions, drive industrial innovation and make a lasting impact.

HDR is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Industrial team in Houston, TX, which provides engineering consulting services to industrial customers located across the U.S. This position includes leading and supporting a variety of projects involving various hydrocarbon storage and transporting facilities, including natural gas, liquified natural gas, and liquid petroleum products. The team is also expanding its footprint in the renewable energy and alternative fuels markets. This individual will work with a multi‑discipline group of engineers and technicians providing engineering and design services to Oil & Gas clients. Typical projects will involve life extension and system upgrades of existing facilities as well as design of new facilities. On a day‑to‑day basis, the Lead Mechanical Engineer will be expected to:

• Serve as the mechanical lead on multiple simultaneous projects including workload delegation through entire project development to ensure deliverables are issued on schedule.
• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers with the balance of a multi‑discipline team throughout the project's development.
• Produce mechanical system design drawings including P&IDs, piping plans, and isometrics.
• Produce project calculations including equipment sizing, system hydraulics, stress analysis, and venting and relief device sizing.
• Provide procurement support including preparing equipment specifications, construction standards, and vendor/contractor technical bid evaluations.
• Periodic travel for project site inspections, client review meetings, and field support during installation/testing/start‑up.
• Perform feasibility studies and conceptual design evaluations.
• Lead client design reviews while tracking decisions, action items, and possible changes in scope.
• Work with management, marketing and business development teams to prepare client proposals including scope development, manpower loading, and project schedule.
• Work with Project Managers to reduce scope creep and ensure project work is completed within the agreed‑upon budget and schedule.
• Assist project manager in keeping the project team focused on scope and identifying potential change order tasks.
• Participate with the Project Manager, Regional Controller and Regional Director in project reviews with corporate management as needed.
• Work with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to oversee the engineering efforts across all disciplines (electrical, instrumentation and controls, structural, civil, and mechanical) focusing on package integrity, design consistency, and client project updates.
• Perform Project Manager duties for small capital projects.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

• Primary Location: United States-Texas-Houston
• Industry: Industrial
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Employee Status: Regular
• BusinessClass: Industrial Services
• Job Posting: Nov 21, 2025