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Combustion Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to design, analyze ... Working knowledge of combustion principles and catalytic process technology. * Direct design ...

We are looking for a hands-on Staff Mechanical Engineer with strong mechanical design experience ... Working knowledge of combustion principles and catalytic process technology. * Direct design or ...

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Combustion Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10.5K

$84.2K

$125.1K

How much do combustion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for combustion engineer in Houston, TX is $84,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combustion engineer?

A combustion engineer is skilled in the process of harnessing the energy created by heating up fuel. Job duties include installing combustion systems and testing the equipment once it is operational. A combustion engineer may also have to troubleshoot issues with equipment that is not working correctly. This technology can be found in many heating systems, including in a building or a car. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.

What does a combustion engineer do?

A Combustion Engineer specializes in the design, operation, and optimization of systems that burn fuel to produce energy, such as boilers, furnaces, and engines. They analyze combustion processes to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure safety. Their work often involves troubleshooting equipment, developing new combustion technologies, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Combustion Engineers play a critical role in industries like power generation, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive engineering.

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

To thrive as a Combustion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion principles, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as ANSYS Fluent or CHEMKIN), emissions testing equipment, and relevant industry certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this field. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant combustion system design and operation.

What are some common challenges combustion engineers face when optimizing industrial combustion systems?

Combustion Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing efficiency, emissions control, and system safety when optimizing industrial combustion systems. Addressing varying fuel qualities, maintaining equipment reliability, and complying with strict environmental regulations can be demanding. Effective collaboration with process engineers, maintenance teams, and environmental specialists is essential to troubleshoot issues and implement improvements. Staying updated with advancements in combustion technology and control systems also helps in overcoming these challenges and ensuring optimal plant performance.

What is the difference between Combustion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCombustion EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in combustion or thermodynamicsEngineering degree, mechanical or related certifications
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, research labsManufacturing, design firms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, power generation, petrochemicalManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Combustion Engineers focus on designing and optimizing combustion processes, often working in energy and industrial sectors. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, systems, and product design across various industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, combustion engineers specialize in combustion systems, whereas mechanical engineers work on mechanical components and systems.

What are popular job titles related to Combustion Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Combustion Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Combustion Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Combustion Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

Infographic showing various Combustion Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,242 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for but not limited to the preventive, predictive, corrective maintenance, and troubleshooting, including the combustion fuel / air ratio controls, refractory repair, and improvement projects associated with fired equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain a culture of safety
  • Develop and maintain compliance associated with all laws including but not limited to Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental
  • Required to supervise contractors used during special circumstances such as shutdowns, projects, or maintenance
  • Ability to perform installation, start up, repair and tune up work on combustion systems and fuel trains
  • Able to train other employee's on the operation of combustion systems and fuel trains
  • Must be able to read and work from schematics
  • Must have the ability and knowledge to trouble shoot systems with no schematic
  • Diagnose malfunctions of equipment to determine cause and appropriate corrective action
  • Will need to perform preventative maintenance tasks according to established protocols
  • Competency to conduct a complete combustion analysis, determine drafting, and make recommendations to optimize burner control systems
  • Maintain and update HMI and PLC programs for combustion and safety systems for fired equipment
  • Be proficient with portable combustion analyzers
  • Write tuning / startup reports from all field visits
  • Specify Replacement Parts
  • Able to work with client to get or get the correct people together for additional opportunities
  • Understanding of NFPA 70 / 85 / 86/ 87
  • Ability to spec, setup, and commission VFD’s
  • Verify basic thermodynamic principles to plant processes and fired equipment
  • Ability to read and understand fan curves and capability to diagnose fan issues
  • Understands flow characteristics of each type of flow control valve


Qualifications:

  • Nine (9) or more years of controls and instrumentation
  • Combustion systems and fault finding
  • Strong problem-solving ability
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Engineering or Technical Degree Preferred but Not Required

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.