Principal Application Engineer - Insulation & Coatings SME

ALKEGEN; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen, a global leader in specialty materials, seeks an experienced manufacturing engineer to lead cost-estimation, CAD modeling, and technical guidance for coating, insulation, and fireproofing projects in LNG, petrochemical, and refining sectors.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 10+ years of relevant experience, strong problem-solving skills, and willingness to travel up to 25%. Texas-based, onsite with opportunities to influence safety and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• 10+ years in protective coatings, insulation, and passive fire protection for LNG, petrochemical, refinery sectors.
• Strong knowledge of Texas engineering codes and regulations.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP systems (Syteline).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications and drawings to create accurate cost estimates for manufacturing projects.
• Use CAD to manipulate 3D models and 2D drawings for manufacturing drawings.
• Analyze material requirements, labor hours, tooling costs, overhead, and other factors for cost models.
• Support bid and proposal preparation with detailed cost breakdowns and technical justification.
• Provide expert advice and technical guidance to clients and team members.
• Review and stamp engineering drawings, plans, and calculations.
• Prepare and present technical reports and proposals.

Skills

Protective coatings

Thermal insulation

P&ID & specs reading

Lean manufacturing

Team collaboration

Oil & Gas experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP systems (Syteline)

Job description

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we are delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

Job Requirements

With over 60 manufacturing facilities and a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with a global reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we are always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Job Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, technical drawings, and other documentation to create accurate cost estimates for new and repeat manufacturing projects.
• Utilize CAD software (such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD) to manipulate 3D models and 2D drawings to generate manufacturing drawings.
• Analyze material requirements, labor hours, tooling costs, overhead, and other relevant factors to prepare insulation total installed cost models
• Support the preparation of formal bids and proposals, providing detailed cost breakdowns and technical justification.
• Provide expert advice and technical guidance to clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Review, approve, and stamp engineering drawings, plans, and calculations.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Conduct site inspections and assess project conditions to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.
• Develop project procedures and specifications for the application of protective coatings, insulation, and fireproofing materials.
• Produce Coating, Insulation, and Fireproofing Data Sheets (CIFDS) for individual equipment or equipment packages.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in protective coatings, thermal and acoustic insulation, and passive fire protection for LNG, petrochemical, specialty chemical, and refining industries.
• Strong knowledge of Texas state engineering laws, regulations, and codes.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and manufacturing software (ERP systems such as Syteline or similar).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in team environments.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Oil & Gas Client Engineering.
• Experience in Thermal Insulation, Coatings, and passive fire protection is a plus.
• Willingness to travel: 25% (Required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Texas.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
• Experience in supervision and managing technical queries from multiple projects, heat transfer calculations, vendor design reviews, preparation of specifications and standards, materials management, developing engineering and construction estimates, managing engineering budgets, procurement and subcontract bid preparation, evaluation and recommendation of materials, and application methods of various coating applications.
• Experience in insulation systems for cryogenic and high-temperature applications and protective coatings for LNG and Refinery applications.

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation, and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.