Sr. Mechanical Project Engineer

LJA Engineering, Inc.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Referral Bonuses

Volunteer days

Professional Development

Career Growth

Fun Culture

Job summary

LJA Energy in Houston seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead midstream mechanical design, review sealing documents, and establish engineering standards across projects.

You will operate largely independently on complex technical matters, oversee staff, and ensure compliance with codes while collaborating with clients and suppliers. The role emphasizes ongoing learning, leadership, and a hands-on approach to project execution.

Qualifications

• Seven years of midstream mechanical design experience including natural gas.
• Experience leading teams and managing staff.
• Knowledge of rotating and fixed mechanical systems and codes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and oversight to mechanical staff and review complex designs.
• Coordinate staffing, design quality, and schedules with project management.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal disciplines to maintain standards and regulatory alignment.
• Assist in proposal development and project pursuits.
• Review and approve drawings, calculations, specs and design documents.
• Develop training programs and stay updated on industry codes.

Skills

Midstream design

Leadership

Code compliance

Mechanical systems

Client coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineering license (PE)

Job description

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at LJA Energy, you will lead and be accountable for mechanical engineering activities across midstream projects. This role operates independently on complex technical matters, establishes and maintains mechanical engineering standards, and serves as the responsible engineer by reviewing, approving, signing, and sealing mechanical designs and documents.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Providing technical guidance and oversight to mechanical engineering staff and reviewing solutions to complex or unusual design challenges
• Coordinating with project management to ensure proper staffing, design quality, and adherence to company standards and schedules
• Working with suppliers, consultants, and internal engineering disciplines to maintain consistency with technical standards and regulatory requirements
• Participating in proposal development and supporting project pursuits
• Reviewing and approving mechanical drawings, calculations, specifications, and design documents for projects in progress
• Establishing training needs within the discipline and supporting the development of technical training programs
• Maintaining awareness of industry developments, codes, and regulatory changes affecting midstream mechanical design

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university
• Professional Engineering license from a recognized licensing board

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of midstream mechanical engineering design experience including experience with natural gas
• Extensive progressive experience in oil and gas midstream design, including leadership or management-level responsibility
• Experience with midstream process plants, pipelines, pipeline‑related facilities, utilities, or construction environments
• Strong knowledge of both rotating and fixed mechanical systems, calculations, materials, applications, and discipline‑specific engineering software
• Thorough understanding of industry codes, regulatory standards, and design criteria
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage staff, and develop training programs, implement corporate personnel policies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Experience establishing discipline standards, specifications, templates, and design procedures
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Background reviewing and resolving complex or non‑standard engineering challenges
• Experience coordinating with external consultants, vendors, and client representatives on technical matters
• Prior involvement in staff planning, performance evaluations, and personnel decision‑making
• NCEES Record for establishing licensure in alternate locations as required for project work

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee‑owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.