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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Spring, TX

Job Summary We are looking for a highly technical Principal Mechanical Engineer with deep subject matter expertise in high-temperature mechanical system design using metal-alloy components, to ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$150K - $191K/yr

Meade is seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a technical leader and Engineer of Record (EOR) for mechanical systems on complex data center projects. This individual will ...

The Advanced Airframes Department is currently hiring a Principal Mechanical Engineer that will be located on site in Tucson, Arizona. In this on-site role, you will play a pivotal part as a member ...

Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Mechanical Engineer information

See Spring, TX salary details

$76.5K

$129.1K

$151.7K

How much do principal mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal mechanical engineer in Spring, TX is $129,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $138,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal mechanical engineer?

A Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for leading mechanical design projects, overseeing teams, and ensuring technical excellence in product development. They often play a strategic role in planning, innovation, and providing expert guidance to solve complex engineering challenges. Principal Mechanical Engineers typically have significant experience, advanced technical knowledge, and are involved in mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a principal mechanical engineer expect to handle on a typical team?

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will often lead multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, overseeing the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems or products. Your responsibilities commonly include setting technical direction, mentoring junior engineers, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating closely with project managers and other engineering disciplines. You may also be involved in client consultations, risk assessments, and making high-level decisions to drive innovation and efficiency. The role often requires balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning and leadership duties.

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

To thrive as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you need deep expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (like PE licensure) are essential. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering projects, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals.

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

AspectPrincipal Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of complex mechanical systems, often in leadership rolesDesign, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and systems
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectorsCommon in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The Principal Mechanical Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic oversight. Mechanical Engineers are more involved in hands-on design and analysis tasks. Both roles are vital in engineering teams, but the Principal Mechanical Engineer usually has more experience and responsibility.

How much does a principal mechanical engineer earn?

A principal mechanical engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often require advanced skills in CAD software, project management, and engineering design.

What does a principal mechanical engineer do?

A principal mechanical engineer leads the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components, often overseeing projects and providing technical guidance. They typically have advanced knowledge of engineering principles, CAD tools, and industry standards, and may coordinate teams to ensure project goals are met efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs in Spring, TX?

For Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs in Spring, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs in Spring, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs in Spring, TX are:

What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spring, TX with the most Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,101 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer [HOU]

Hanwha Ocean

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Introduction

At Hanwha Ocean EPU, we empower our people to engineer the future of sustainable energy through meaningful work on cutting-edge offshore, onshore, and global infrastructure projects that create lasting impact for industries and communities worldwide.

As we evolve into a comprehensive EPCI(O) solutions provider, our expanding portfolio now spans FPSO, FLNG, floating production units, renewables, onshore power generation, and future centric infrastructure projects. Our globally connected teams collaborate across regions and disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver world-class end-to-end solutions.

Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team at the Energy Plant Unit and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the onshore and offshore industry. #OneEPU

"Build, what matters. Grow, without limits. Power, the future with Hanwha Ocean EPU."

Position Overview

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical authority responsible for leading mechanical engineering and design for offshore and onshore plant projects, with strong focus on FPSO, FLNG, offshore facilities, topsides mechanical systems, and mechanical equipment packages. This role provides expert guidance across the full project lifecycle, including concept, pre-FEED, FEED, tender, EPCI, detailed design, fabrication, integration, commissioning, and project closeout.

The position acts as a focal point for complex mechanical engineering matters, including equipment selection, specifications, datasheets, material requisitions, technical bid evaluations, vendor document review, design reviews, multidisciplinary interfaces, and resolution of technical issues. The Principal Mechanical Engineer ensures that mechanical deliverables comply with applicable international codes, project requirements, client expectations, classification society requirements, and internal quality standards.

This role requires deep offshore oil and gas engineering expertise, proven experience with mechanical equipment packages and topsides design, and the ability to influence engineering decisions, mentor engineers, and provide technical assurance in a complex global project environment.

Key Responsibility
  • Provide principal-level technical authority for mechanical engineering scope across offshore and onshore plant projects, including FPSO, FLNG, fixed and floating facilities, and topsides modules.
  • Lead the selection, design, specification, and technical assurance of mechanical systems, static equipment, and mechanical equipment packages.
  • Prepare, review, and approve key engineering deliverables such as equipment lists, specifications, datasheets, RFQs, material requisitions, technical bid evaluations, calculations, and design review inputs.
  • Guide material selection studies and ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards such as ASME, API, ISO, DNV, project specifications, and client requirements.
  • Provide expert input to topsides layout development, equipment arrangement, constructability, operability, maintainability, and interface management during early design and execution phases.
  • Lead technical evaluation of vendor proposals, attend clarification meetings, review vendor drawings and documents, and support vendor audits or manufacturing facility visits when required.
  • Resolve complex technical issues arising during tender, concept, FEED, EPCI, fabrication, integration, installation, commissioning, or handover phases.
  • Participate in engineering risk assessments, design reviews, technical queries, management of change, and multidisciplinary interface coordination.
  • Mentor lead, senior, and junior engineers, review their work for accuracy and completeness, and contribute to continuous improvement of mechanical engineering standards and processes.
  • Maintain accurate technical records and ensure mechanical documentation meets project control, QA/QC, and formal issue requirements.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 15 years of mechanical engineering experience, including significant experience in offshore oil and gas, FPSO, FLNG, EPC, EPCI, shipbuilding, or energy plant projects.
  • Extensive experience in mechanical systems, static equipment, and mechanical equipment packages for offshore topsides or large-scale plant projects.
  • Proven track record leading complex engineering work across concept, pre-FEED, FEED, tender, detailed design, construction support, commissioning, or project delivery phases.
  • Strong knowledge of international design codes and standards such as ASME, API, ISO, DNV, and project-specific technical requirements.
  • Ability to review and approve technical deliverables including specifications, datasheets, RFQs, technical bid evaluations, vendor documents, drawings, calculations, and engineering studies.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical issue resolution, influence stakeholders, and provide sound engineering decisions under schedule, cost, quality, and safety constraints.
  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills and ability to work effectively with clients, vendors, shipyards, engineering offices, and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, adaptability, and accountability in a dynamic global project environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Prior experience at a top-tier FPSO, FLNG, offshore contractor, EPC/EPCI contractor, or global engineering organization.
  • Proficiency with engineering software and tools such as PV Elite, Compress, HTRI, HYSYS/UniSim, Aspen EDR, AVEVA E3D, Navisworks, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience conducting vendor audits, manufacturing facility visits, technical risk assessments, design reviews, and multidisciplinary interface reviews.
  • Experience mentoring engineering teams and developing corporate or project-specific mechanical engineering standards.
  • International project experience and willingness to travel as required.
Diversity and Inclusion

Hanwha believes that diversity and inclusion are vital to our success. We believe that by embracing different ideas and approaches, we enhance our ability to deliver the best results for our employees, our environment, and ultimately our business partners and customers. We foster a culture where all colleagues are able to share their passions and ideas in order that we may collectively embrace and overcome the challenges in our industry, and work toward a brighter future.

Hanwha is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.