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Principal Piping Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$152K - $210K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Play an integral role in delivering complex energy, chemicals, and ... Coordinating with piping, electrical, instrumentation, structural, and project management teams to ...

Summary We are seeking a Principal Process Engineer with mining and minerals experience for ... pumping/piping, instrumentation and process control, and simulation software, etc. * Senior ...

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Principal Piping Engineer information

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$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.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

GIG - General / Generation, Industrial & Govt

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

We’ve got the power to energize your career and spark YOUR work/life balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive and meaningful career. Mesa Associates, Inc. is a woman/minority-owned full-service engineering, procurement, and project management firm covering power, defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, and municipal entities. We specialize in power generation and delivery services. Our Nuclear Services Division specializes in providing high-quality engineering, procurement, design, and project management for operating and new reactor clients, and partners with our other divisions to integrate nuclear design with electrical high-voltage, substations, switchyard, transmission line, and distribution design. We have been in the top 10 of EC&M's Top 40 Electrical Design Firms since 2012. With over 1,000 associates, we are big enough to perform, but small enough to care!

Mesa seeks a Principal Engineer that will manage the effective use of resources and identify areas for improvement, and communicate as appropriate, make audit recommendations, and develop and manage document control policies and procedures, ensuring all QA, regulatory, and client requirements are satisfied.

What We’re Looking for

  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical design codes (ASME, ANSI, API, NFPA).
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite). Additional software skills including Bluebeam, MicroStation, AutoCAD, Vault, Plant3D, Inventor, ReCap, SolidWorks, FARO Scene, and other 3D rendering programs preferred.
  • The development and review of engineering calculations, design criteria and performing/Checking calculations on various systems and software packages
  • Experience with Detailed Stress Analysis – In depth analysis of piping systems, custom piping components, or fabrication assemblies utilizing AutoPIPE, Caesar II, Paulin PRG, Nastran, Inventor, and/or SolidWorks
  • Possess working knowledge of computers and software such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, and software used for specific technical applications within the department.
  • Possess a willingness to develop, promote, and comply with Mesa safety requirements.
  • Possess a strong knowledge of power generation types – Coal, Gas, Hydro, and Nuclear.
  • Possess a strong knowledge of client manufacturing, fabrication, and operational processes.

What You’ll Do

  • Applies extensive knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
  • Exercises judgment in the independent evaluation selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Responsible for scoping, estimating, organizing, executing, and coordinating engineering projects, which may have unique or complex technical or project execution requirements.
  • Performs technical and coordination checking/ review of deliverables and other project documents.
  • Ensures deliverables comply with Business Unit procedures and meet applicable design requirements.
  • Works with the Engineering Manager and Project Managers to define project objectives, prepare design estimates, and define project requirements and design approaches for large or complex projects.
  • Capable of acting as Lead Engineer on single/multidisciplinary projects of any size or level of complex.

What You’ll Earn

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay – 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option
  • FSA and HSA Options

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.