Principal Application Engineer - Insulation & Coatings SME

Unifrax I LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen is seeking a senior engineer in Texas to lead cost estimation for coating, insulation, and fireproofing projects. You will review specifications, use SolidWorks/AutoCAD for drawings, and prepare detailed cost models and CIFDS data sheets.

The role requires extensive experience in protective coatings and insulation, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to travel up to 25% for site assessments and client meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil or related field.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in protective coatings, insulation, and fire protection for LNG, petrochemical, refining industries.
• Strong knowledge of Texas engineering laws, regulations, and codes.
• Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing software; ERP experience.

Responsibilities

• Review specifications, drawings, and docs to prepare accurate cost estimates for new and repeat projects.
• Use CAD software to generate manufacturing drawings and modify 3D models.
• Analyze material requirements, labor hours, tooling costs, overhead and other factors to build cost models.
• Support bids and proposals with detailed cost breakdowns and technical justification.
• Provide technical guidance to clients and team members; review and stamp drawings and calculations.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP systems (Syteline)

Job description

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Alkegen is an equal‑opportunity employer. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth and innovation, and we are committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity or expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.