Solid Handling Engineer – Pneumatic & Mechanical Conveying Systems

KBR Careers; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Professional training & development

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Solid Handling Engineer to design and optimize pneumatic and mechanical conveying systems, including belt and screw conveyors, for bulk materials. The role involves GA drawings, equipment datasheets, and bid evaluations across FEED through commissioning, in a safety-conscious environment.

Applicants should have 10–15+ years in bulk solids handling, proficiency with AutoCAD, and familiarity with standards such as CEMA, ASME, NFPA, and OSHA. PE license welcomed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• 10–15+ years of experience in bulk solids handling engineering.
• Experience with pneumatic conveying systems.
• Experience with belt conveyors and mechanical conveying.
• Ability to independently develop GA drawings, equipment datasheets, technical requisitions, and bid evaluations.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar CAD tools.
• Familiarity with vendor equipment and industry suppliers.
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design pneumatic conveying systems (dense phase, dilute phase, vacuum and pressure) for powders, granules, and pellets.
• Design mechanical conveying systems (belt conveyors, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, weigh belt feeders).
• Develop GA drawings and layouts; coordinate equipment layouts for maintainability and safety.
• Prepare equipment datasheets and technical requisitions; conduct bid evaluations and vendor comparisons.
• Support FEED, detailed engineering, and execution phases; interface with multiple disciplines.
• Ensure designs meet codes and standards (CEMA, ASME, NFPA, OSHA).
• HAZOP/safety reviews related to solids handling systems.

Skills

Pneumatic conveying

Belt conveyors

Screw conveyors

Bucket elevators

Weigh belt feeders

Rotary valves

GA drawings

Equipment datasheets

Technical requisitions

Bid evaluations

Bulk solids handling

AutoCAD

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD software

Job description

Solid Handling Engineer – Pneumatic & Mechanical Conveying Systems

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 looking for a Solid Handling Engineer – Pneumatic & Mechanical Conveying Systems with the responsibility for the engineering, design, specification, and evaluation of bulk material handling systems, including pneumatic conveying systems and traditional mechanical conveying equipment such as belt conveyors, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and feeders. The role requires hands‑on experience in developing General Arrangement (GA) drawings, equipment datasheets, technical requisitions, bid evaluations, and supporting projects from concept through detailed engineering and commissioning.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Engineering & Design

• Design and engineer pneumatic conveying systems (dense phase, dilute phase, vacuum and pressure systems) for powders, granules, and pellets
• Design and engineering mechanical conveying systems, including:
• Belt conveyors
• Screw conveyors
• Bucket elevators
• Weigh belt feeders and rotary valves
• Reclaimer, Stacker
• Truck/Railcar loading unloading system
• Perform material flow and capacity calculations, pressure drop calculations, and equipment sizing
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) related to bulk solids handling

Layout & Drawings

• Develop and review General Arrangement (GA) drawings and layouts
• Coordinate equipment layouts considering maintenance access, safety, constructability, and operability
• Interface with drafting/design teams to ensure drawings meet project requirements

Specifications & Procurement

• Prepare equipment datasheets for bulk material handling equipment
• Develop technical requisitions and bid packages for vendors
• Perform technical bid evaluations and vendor comparisons
• Participate in vendor meetings, clarifications, and design reviews

Project Support

• Support projects through FEED, detailed engineering, and execution phases
• Coordinate with process, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil disciplines
• Provide engineering support during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and startup
• Review vendor drawings and documents for compliance with project specifications

Safety & Standards

• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards (CEMA, ASME, NFPA, OSHA, ATEX where applicable)
• Incorporate dust control, explosion protection, and safety interlocks in system design
• Participate in HAZOP / safety reviews related to solids handling systems

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Master’s degree preferred but not required
• 10–15+ years of experience in bulk solids handling engineering
• Strong experience with:
• Pneumatic conveying systems
• Belt conveyor and mechanical conveying systems
• Proven ability to independently develop:
• GA drawings
• Equipment datasheets
• Technical requisitions
• Bid evaluations
• Solid understanding of bulk material properties and flow behavior
• Experience with conveyor sizing and pneumatic conveying calculations
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (or similar CAD tools)
• Familiarity with vendor equipment and industry suppliers
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience in industries such as:
• Chemicals
• Minerals & mining
• Cement
• Power or bulk materials processing
• Experience with dust collection systems, bag filters, cyclones, and scrubbers
• Experience with closed‑loop or inert gas pneumatic conveying systems

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.

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’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.

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