Piping Engineer

The Virtual Bench; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 82,656 - 93,676; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Piping/Utility Engineer in Houston for a 6+ month contract. The role involves designing natural gas distribution systems, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in utility design and a Bachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Civil Engineering. The position allows for remote work on Fridays and requires a four-day on-site commitment. Target pay is between $60 and $68 per hour.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in utility design or related project construction design.
• Proven ability to manage projects from design through completion.
• Thorough knowledge of natural gas distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Design gas distribution facilities and support systems.
• Prepare long-range capacity and economic feasibility studies.
• Coordinate with customers and government agencies.

Skills

Natural gas distribution design

Project management

Capacity planning

Cost estimation

Field operations support

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, or Civil Engineering

Job description

Our client is located in Downtown Houston and looking to add a Senior Piping /Utility Engineer to their team on a 6 + month contract basis. The Engineer creates natural gas distribution and transmission system designs. Manages projects from design through completion including preparation of plans, specifications, permits and contracts. Design new or relocation pipe facilities and issue orders on natural gas distribution facilities for subdivisions, system improvements, and public improvement projects.

4 day on-site requirement, potential for remote Fridays.

Open to C2C, open to third -party

Start/End Dates: 4/24/2026 - 10/23/2026

Target pay rate is $60 - $68/hr.

Job Responsibilities

• Designs gas distribution facilities and associated support systems including cathodic protection.
• Prepares long range capacity piping plans, easements and permits, bid packages and contracts, relocation and letter agreements, redline/greenline proposals, regulatory proposals for service area certification, and main replacement program documentation packets.
• Prepares cost estimates, material specifications and schedules, system capacity and pressure study modeling and analyses.
• Prepares and submits minor construction drawings for facilities.
• Prepares economic feasibility studies and makes customer contribution recommendations for new loads and system replacement work.
• Prepares presentations for customers and management.
• Markets deadlines to complete projects to time and budget.
• Coordinates efforts with customers, and government agencies.
• Provides design support to local gas operations.
• Prepares operational procedures to complete projects.
• Communicates with district employees when necessary where corrections need to be made or assisting them with a problem.
• Mentors and trains new employees.
• Designs larger more complex projects, for instance projects with multiple feeds and installation procedures.
• Leads and coordinates the design and construction activities with internal and external individuals and groups.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the permanent natural gas distribution system records including its evolution, development, archiving, and maintenance.

Education:

• Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Civil.

Required Experience:

• Requires 10+ years of experience in utility design or related project construction design