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Principal Piping Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a key member of our engineering leadership team, the Principal Mechanical Engineer will guide ... Oversee and review the design of HVAC systems, oil containment, cooling systems, piping, conduit ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Charlotte, NC ยท On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: Charlotte, NC Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $165,000.00 ... piping systems, power plant equipment (CTGs, STGs, HRSGs) * Knowledge of ASME codes and EPC ...

Posted today

Engineer, Sr/Principal

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... piping. * Directs, evaluates and reviews the documentation of technical specifications and ... Principal EngineerLevel 7 * 10 years of progressive engineering experience in project management ...

Prepare piping and instrumentation diagrams and develop Process Flow Diagrams. * Support QA/Validation with design documents and protocol execution. * Investigate process equipment, utility, and ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

The (ISD) Principal Mechanical Engineer leads and contributes to projects in areas such as design ... Design of piping Systems * Design of plumbing systems and code experience * HVAC "Controls/DDC ...

The (ISD) Principal Mechanical Engineer leads and contributes to projects in areas such as design ... Design of piping Systems * Design of plumbing systems and code experience * HVAC "Controls/DDC ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Piping Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal piping engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal piping engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Piping Engineer vs Senior Piping Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Piping EngineerSenior Piping Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Civil Engineering, PE license beneficial
Work EnvironmentLead design teams, oversee piping projects, coordinate with multiple departmentsDesign piping systems, prepare drawings, support project execution
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale projects, often in leadership rolesCommon in project teams, technical roles

The Principal Piping Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing entire piping projects and leading teams, whereas the Senior Piping Engineer focuses on technical design and project support. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the Principal position involves more strategic oversight and leadership within the industry.

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

To thrive as a Principal Piping Engineer, you need deep expertise in piping system design, material selection, and stress analysis, usually backed by a degree in mechanical engineering and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with technical tools like AutoCAD, CAESAR II, and piping codes (ASME, API) as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart, enabling them to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex projects effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of piping systems in large-scale industrial projects.

What is a principal piping engineer?

Principal Piping Engineers are senior engineering professionals responsible for the design, planning, and management of piping systems in large industrial projects, such as oil and gas plants, refineries, and power stations. They lead teams of engineers and draftsmen, ensuring that piping layouts, specifications, and materials comply with industry standards and project requirements. Their role also involves coordinating with other engineering disciplines, resolving technical issues, and overseeing project schedules and budgets. As subject matter experts, Principal Piping Engineers play a key role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of complex piping networks.

How does a principal piping engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large projects?

A Principal Piping Engineer frequently works alongside professionals from civil, structural, mechanical, and process engineering teams to ensure cohesive project delivery. This collaboration involves coordinating design interfaces, reviewing interdisciplinary documents, and attending regular project meetings to resolve issues promptly. Strong communication skills are essential, as the Principal Piping Engineer often leads multidisciplinary design reviews and ensures that piping systems are integrated seamlessly with other plant systems. These interactions help maintain project schedules, prevent costly design conflicts, and ensure that all safety and regulatory standards are met.
More about Principal Piping Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Piping Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Piping Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Principal Piping Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Principal

Audubon Companies

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Audubon is currently seeking a Part-time Mechanical Engineering Associate, Principal to join our team in our Houston, TX Office.The Mechanical Engineering Associate, Principal will perform mechanical engineering assignments associated with designing equipment, components, structures or systems.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Independently prepare advanced level specifications for project assignments detailing client performance requirements, specific component needs, design requirements, applicable design codes, and vendor drawing requirements.
  • Prepare engineering sketches, perform engineering calculations and develop analysis models for complex project assignments.
  • Review and/or approve vendor drawings for compliance with project specifications.
  • Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants.
  • Set realistic expectations and ensure assigned projects are completed according to schedule and within budget.
  • Adhere to company quality standards and follow engineering checking and approval procedures.
  • Comply with all company and client health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations.
  • Actively participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs, and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or incidents to your supervisor.
  • Interact with drafting/design group to develop and review engineering drawings.
  • Visit job-sites to evaluate site, project requirements, and conditions.
  • Visit vendor facilities to inspect equipment for compliance with requirements/specifications.
  • Prepare inquiry and purchase requisitions as well as bid tabulations associated with equipment purchases.
  • Perform checking of engineering drawings and mathematical calculations.
  • Adhere to safe design practices, while focusing on identifying cost saving opportunities.
  • Plan and manage workload, budgets and project resources, requesting assistance as necessary.
  • Develop, review and/or approve conceptual and detailed engineering design packages.
  • Assist in the development of internal design guidelines, specifications, and design control procedures.
  • Assess feasibility of projects by assessing materials, costs and time requirements, applying knowledge and techniques of engineering and advanced mathematics.
  • Utilize complex and repetitive calculations.
  • Prepare or direct preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, and/or construction schedules for projects.
  • Analyze and examine different strategies, equations and applications to ensure appropriate procedures are applied and/or utilized.
  • Resolve design and development issues.
  • Manage client relationships and develop repeat business opportunities.
  • Compile discipline-specific man-hour estimates and Total Installed Cost estimates based on client provided project scope.
  • Manage and forecast man-hour requirements and schedules associated with discipline-specific project scope.
  • Assess challenges and potential risks of planned projects, including construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards and other factors.
  • Undertake initiatives for risk management and appropriate steps to address it.
  • Undertake technical and feasibility studies including site investigations.
  • May lead large scope multi-discipline projects and manage day to day workflow within a group or project; may delegate assignments, distribute workload, establish work deadlines, and issue reports to immediate supervisor regarding completion of work.
  • Responsible for providing feedback to immediate supervisor regarding co-worker's performance and any work related issues, including those that might lead to disciplinary actions.
  • Provide advice and assistance on work techniques, best practices, and subject matter expertise to co-workers.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required.
  • Bachelor's Degree from ABET Accredited Institution preferred.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification preferred.
  • Field experience required.
  • Industry experience required.
  • Minimum of 20 years of experience preferred.
  • Large multi-discipline project lead experience preferred.
  • Caesar II, NozzlePRO and/or PIPE-FLO software experience preferred.
  • Working knowledge of the design of piping systems and process equipment preferred.
  • Working knowledge of piping, pressure vessel and equipment codes (ASME, API, etc.) preferred.
  • Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
  • Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work related problems.
  • Ability to comprehend instructions and request clarification as necessary.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.
  • Ability to travel offshore to client facilities and HUET training preferred or ability to obtain HUET certification.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled