Principal Project Manager - Engineering

KBR Careers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Professional development

Global project exposure

Job summary

KBR is seeking an experienced Principal Project Manager - Engineering for its Sustainable Technology Solutions group in Houston, TX. You will lead full lifecycle delivery of major midstream and downstream projects, overseeing multi-discipline engineering teams and interfacing with clients on technical matters.

This senior role requires a strong track record in EPC project execution, design reviews, and commissioning, with 15+ years of experience in industrial settings and a PE license preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive engineering experience in industrial environments.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams on large-scale capital projects ($500MM+).
• Strong knowledge of EPC execution models and stage-gated development.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-discipline engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, I&C).
• Establish engineering execution plans, standards, and schedules.
• Act as the technical authority through the project lifecycle.
• Mentor engineers and provide performance feedback.
• Oversee FEED, detailed engineering, construction support, and commissioning.
• Interface with project management, procurement, construction, and operations.
• Manage vendor evaluations, equipment selection, and technical bid reviews.
• Ensure deliverables meet cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Lead design reviews, HAZOPs, PHA, and readiness reviews.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Team management

Project execution

Stakeholder interface

Technical oversight

HAZOP / PHA

Lean schedules & MC

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

3D modeling tools

Job description

Title: Principal Project Manager - Engineering KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets. KBR is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead full lifecycle delivery of midstream and downstream projects. With general autonomy, this position has bottom line responsibility for the technical success of large projects that focus on Energy, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and similar from feasibility through detailed design, construction, and commissioning. Will be responsible for managing all phases of project engineering planning and execution on major projects in accordance with the established policies, procedures, systems, and requirements approved by the company. Supervises project personnel, often through subordinate leaders, and is the primary liaison with the Client/Owner on all technical matters. Possesses in-depth knowledge of the respective industry. Will manage and coordinate domestic as well as international projects. Skills are typically acquired through completion of an undergraduate degree in Engineering and a minimum of 15 years related experience, with average 20+ years of experience. Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Engineering Leadership & Management Lead and manage multi-discipline engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, instrumentation & controls).
• Establish engineering execution plans, design standards, and deliverable schedules aligned with overall project objectives.
• Act as the authority for all technical aspects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor and develop senior and mid-level engineers; provide technical oversight and performance feedback.
• Project Execution Manage engineering activities from conceptual design, FEED, and detailed engineering through construction support and commissioning.
• Interface closely with project management, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations teams.
• Support equipment selection, vendor evaluations, and technical bid reviews for long-lead and critical equipment.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Technical Scope Oversee design and integration of involved processes and systems including Utilities, offsites, and supporting infrastructure.
• Ensure robust consideration of operability, maintainability, reliability, and safety.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Champion process safety, mechanical integrity, and industrial safety throughout design and construction.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., ASME, NFPA, OSHA, IEC, API where applicable).
• Lead and participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, PHA studies, constructability reviews, and readiness reviews.
• Ensure engineering documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with quality management systems.
• Construction & Field Execution Support oversight of contractor bid, award, and construction; manage field engineering, RFI resolution, redlines/as‑builts, pre‑commissioning, and start‑up.
• Stakeholder & Client Interface Serve as the primary engineering interface with clients, licensors, OEMs, and external engineering partners.
• Present technical solutions, design progress, and risk assessments to executive leadership and project stakeholders.
• Support change management, risk mitigation, and resolution of complex technical issues.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Computer Science, Technical Management, or related technical fields may also be considered with extensive proven relevant experience.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive engineering experience in industrial or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience managing engineering teams on large-scale capital projects ($500MM+ preferred).
• Strong knowledge of EPC execution models and stage-gated project development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through execution and commissioning.

Preferred Education & Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, current and in good standing.
• Prior experience working with international vendors and global engineering teams.
• Familiarity with digital engineering tools (3D modeling, model-based reviews, document control platforms).
• Familiarity with AFE development, cost control, scheduling (Primavera P6 or MS Project), and contractor oversight.

Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability

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.

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. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals. Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.