1

Chief Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services (SOFGLSS) contract, located in Lexington, KY, is seeking a Mechanical Chief Engineer to design and ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$99K - $131K/yr

Resource Management: Assist the Chief Mechanical Engineer with workload distribution for junior engineers and manpower loading plans. * Mentorship: Provide feedback, mentorship, and leadership to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Resource Management: Assist the Chief Mechanical Engineer with workload distribution for junior engineers and manpower loading plans. * Mentorship: Provide feedback, mentorship, and leadership to ...

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Special Operations Forces Global Logistics Support Services (SOFGLSS) contract, located in Lexington, KY, is seeking a Mechanical Chief Engineer to design and ...

Job Summary Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) is seeking a talented mechanical engineer to join its Optical and Infrared (OIR) Instrumentation group. The OIR group designs, fabricates, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$104.1K

$162K

How much do chief mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief mechanical engineer in the United States is $104,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Chief Mechanical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in mechanical engineering principles, project management, and a degree in mechanical engineering, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, ensuring technical excellence, and leading engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

What does a chief mechanical engineer do?

A Chief Mechanical Engineer leads and oversees the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems within an organization. They manage engineering teams, set technical standards, and ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within budget. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments, troubleshoot complex engineering problems, and stay updated on industry advancements to maintain competitiveness. Their role is critical in ensuring the quality and reliability of mechanical products and systems.

What is the difference between Chief Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in project management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, and development tasks within engineering projects
ResponsibilitiesManaging mechanical projects, ensuring compliance, coordinating teamsExecuting technical tasks, creating designs, testing components

The main difference between a Chief Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Chief Mechanical Engineer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing projects and teams, while Mechanical Engineers focus on technical design and analysis. Both roles require a strong engineering background, but the Chief Mechanical Engineer's position involves strategic planning and management.

What are some common challenges chief mechanical engineers face when leading multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Mechanical Engineers often encounter challenges when coordinating diverse teams that include professionals from electrical, civil, and software engineering backgrounds. Effective communication is key to aligning project goals, schedules, and technical requirements. Balancing resource allocation, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that all team members adhere to industry standards can be complex. Additionally, Chief Mechanical Engineers must stay updated on technological advancements to ensure their teams deliver innovative and competitive solutions.
More about Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Mechanical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Mechanical Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Chief Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,066 per year, or $50 per hour.

PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PE REQUIRED)

Gulf Interstate

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Houston, TX


Gulf Companies has served the global energy industry since 1953 by supporting the complete project lifecycle and developing valued business partnerships to ensure the success of the project. Our worldwide experience and multi-disciplined capabilities encompass all aspects of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management, Field Inspection, GIS Integrity, Staffing Services and more.


Position Description

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is knowledgeable in multiple pipeline facilities and is qualified to handle large projects. Works independently. He/she has a wide latitude of technical authority with full work responsibilities as well as limited administrative responsibilities within each project. He/she is the primary producer of mechanical deliverables for the project scope, but on some projects may also need to assign, guide, and review the work of lower-level engineers and designers. Work is periodically reviewed by the Chief Mechanical Engineer for accomplishment of objectives.


Essential Functions

  • Prepares, reviews, or approves mechanical engineering calculations.
  • Prepares, reviews, or approves mechanical specifications and data sheets.
  • Prepares, reviews, or approves material requisitions for equipment, materials, and subcontracts.
  • Prepares, reviews, or approves technical bid evaluations for equipment and materials in cooperation with Procurement Department.
  • Prepares, reviews, or approves lists (equipment, valve, piping, tie-in, and specialty items).
  • Coordinates, reviews, or approves PFDs, P&IDs, piping plans, and site layouts.
  • Coordinates with client personnel relative to mechanical and piping activities.
  • Reviews and approves vendor drawings and documents.
  • Observes factory acceptance testing of equipment when required.
  • Prepares or reviews mechanical engineering deliverable status reports and work plans.
  • Reviews the mechanical scope of work to be executed to ensure it matches deliverable logs, project specifications, and/or contract documents, when functioning as LME.
  • Open to both short and extended term assignments to the site, client’s office, or similar as may be requested by management.


ADDENDUM: ENGINEERING FACILITIES DEPARTMENT


MECHANICAL ENGINEERING GROUP FUNCTIONS

Mechanical Engineering for pipeline facilities is a highly specialized group whose function is to provide engineering-design services covering:

Mechanical Equipment and Piping System Design – Develops the optimum systems based upon desired performance, space constraints, reliability, maintainability, flexibility, and cost.

Calculations and Studies – Performs calculations and studies such as the following: piping material selections, liquid and gas line sizing, pipe volume, pressurizing time, purging velocity, blowdown time, orifice sizing, regulator and control valve sizing, relief valve sizing, pump NPSHA, compressed air requirements, fluid properties, building ventilation, pressure testing, and fuel gas heating.

Site Layouts and Piping Plans – Determines location, size, and arrangement of major mechanical equipment and piping. Assist with building layouts.

Process Hazard Analysis – Participates in HAZOP, HAZID, and PHA as required.

Requisitions, Specifications, Data Sheets, Technical Evaluations – Prepares material requisitions with all supporting documents for equipment such as:

Pressure Vessels and Tanks

Silencers

Pumps and Compressors

Flares

Gas Turbines and Engines

Regulators

Filters, Scrubbers, and Separators

Control Valves

Pipe, Fittings, Valves, and Valve Actuators

Gas Dehydration Equipment

Heat Exchangers and Heaters

Relief Valves

Meters and Provers

Gas Coolers

Construction Drawings – Responsible for IFC drawing packages, including:

PFDs and P&IDs

Equipment lists

Equipment Plot Plans

Valve lists

Piping Plans and Details

Piping line lists


#LI-RG1

Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Typically 10+ years of experience focusing on oil and gas pipeline facilities such as
  • Compressor stations
  • Pump stations
  • Metering and regulating stations
  • Storage terminals
  • Loading/unloading facilities
  • Knowledgeable in petroleum liquid and gas industry codes and standards published by US Department of Transportation, AGA, ANSI, API, ASME, ASTM, MSS, and NFPA, with the ability to apply the standards to oil and gas pipeline facility systems designs.
  • Knowledge of computer systems in an engineering environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Education

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
  • Professional Engineering License required


Competencies

  • Effective technical skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Analytical problem-solving skills
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills


Work Environment/Physical Demands

  • Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
  • Frequent sitting and operating a computer.
  • Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or office materials.
  • Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.
  • Physical demands requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.


Gulf is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.