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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Process Engineer is a key technical resource and Chemical Engineering subject matter expert (SME) that is primarily responsible for one home unit but supports multiple sites and ...

... engineering experience * May require advanced degree or certifications * Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics U.S. Citizenship required.

... engineering experience * May require advanced degree or certifications * Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics U.S. Citizenship required.

The Principal Process Engineer serves as a key technical interface between Viant, customers, tool shops, and internal teams to ensure regulatory compliance and best-in-class production outcomes.

The Principal Process Engineer serves as a key technical interface between Viant, customers, tool shops, and internal teams to ensure regulatory compliance and best-in-class production outcomes.

The Principal Process Engineer serves as a key technical interface between Viant, customers, tool shops, and internal teams to ensure regulatory compliance and best-in-class production outcomes.

The Principal Process Engineer serves as a key technical interface between Viant, customers, tool shops, and internal teams to ensure regulatory compliance and best-in-class production outcomes.

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Principal Process Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$81.1K

$139.8K

$170K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in Texas is $139,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,100.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Process Engineer, you need deep expertise in chemical or process engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and typically a relevant engineering degree with substantial industry experience. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD), Six Sigma or Lean certifications, and knowledge of regulatory standards are important technical assets. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful cross-functional collaboration on complex engineering projects.

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

AspectPrincipal Process EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee process design, and mentor teams in manufacturing or chemical plantsAssist in process design, troubleshooting, and optimization under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas companiesFound across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy

The Principal Process Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic process improvements. In contrast, the Process Engineer is more involved in supporting and executing process tasks. Both roles are essential in process industries, but the Principal Process Engineer operates at a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What is a Principal Process Engineer?

A Principal Process Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, optimizing, and overseeing industrial processes within a company. They lead complex projects, provide technical guidance to engineering teams, and ensure that processes meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Principal Process Engineers often collaborate with other departments to implement process improvements and solve technical challenges. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as chemical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

How does a Principal Process Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Process Engineer often acts as a key liaison between engineering, operations, project management, and quality assurance teams. They lead process design reviews, facilitate technical discussions, and ensure that project deliverables align with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as they guide multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting, optimization, and implementation phases. This collaborative role ensures that process improvements are feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable across the project lifecycle.

What Is a Principal Process Engineer?

A principal process engineer works with a team to analyze the efficiency of company processes and identify potential improvements. In this career, you usually work in a large production or manufacturing facility. You must have excellent technical, organizational, and analytical skills. Your job duties include helping management in the development of schedules, budgets, or guidelines for your department, overseeing other engineers, collaborating to support process solutions, and creating simulations, diagrams, and project plans. You also use engineering computer software to design process plans and review data to calculate constant improvements. Qualifications for a career as a principal process engineer include a bachelor's degree in engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer jobs in Texas? For Principal Process Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Principal Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Principal Process Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer jobs in TX? For Principal Process Engineer jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Engineer Process

Principal Engineer Process

Zachry Group

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 79 rated construction


Job description

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is currently accepting applications for a Principal Process Engineer to support our Corpus Christi office. The Principal Process Engineer will be responsible in the design office for routine engineering and design tasks of the assigned projects based on specific and detailed instructions received from the assigned supervisor as to the required tasks and results expected.


  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering20+ years of experience working as a Process / Mechanical Engineer in industries such as Oil Refining, Gas Processing, Power, or Chemical industries, refining/gas processing or similar PSM regulated industries; 7+ years working in an Engineering firm and managing a team of Process / Mechanical engineers on capital/major maintenance projects

  • Comprehensive understanding of processes typically seen in Power / Process plants

  • Proven track record leading engineering team on $250 MM or larger size project (or portfolio of many smaller projects)

  • Some travel (<25% expected) including visits to client sites with walkdowns in industrial environments; full compliance with site safety requirements and adhering to Zachry and client safety policies is essential

  • Experience applying standard engineering techniques, procedures, and design criteria to ensure properly designed systems with accurate documentation and designs compliant with safety and environmental regulations.

  • Experience in PFD. P&ID and Equipment Datasheet development

  • Proficient in H&MB development, equipment and instrumentation process specification and performing hydraulic analysis. Strong background in the development of HMB for Combined Cycle Projects preferred.

  • Knowledge of Performance Guarantees including emissions compliance

  • Experience in the specification of fixed and rotating equipment including STG, CTG, and HRSG

  • Strong knowledge of ASME and API 520/521 with proficiency designing relief devices and associated collection headers

  • Excellent Communication Skills (Active Listening, Verbal, and Written)

  • History of successful project execution while having significant client contact

  • Ability to adapt to changing client requirements while defining a new path and remaining a positive role model for the team

  • Excellent Attention to Detail - in own work as well as demonstrated in checking work of others

  • Proven history of meeting schedule commitments and planning resources required

  • Proficient with Process modeling software (AspenTech suite preferred)

  • Demonstrated desire to learn new technologies and apply learnings to current projects

Preferred Qualifications

  • Licensed Professional Engineer 

  • Experience Utilizing the Thermoflow suite of Software Tools to develop HMB and TIC estimates

  • Experience with Cryogenic / Liquefaction processes are a plus

  • Experience with designing OSBL/Utility scopes required to support Licensor packages

  • Past exposure to environmental permitting and citing studies

  • Active member of professional organizations/committees

Physical Demands

Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry, and move objects safely.

Work Environment

Will work in a general office environment. Capable of operating and functioning in a fast-paced work environment. Must possess a vision (corrected or uncorrected) that allows for clear visibility from a distance of 20 inches or less.

The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Principal Process Engineer position. It shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.

Zachry Group is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • Provide strong leadership to help develop scope documents during the early phases of project development
  • Other duties as assigned
  • Translate project design basis requirements, client specifications, and contract documents into definable process tasks and manage a team of individuals who execute this work to meet client expectations and schedule commitments.
  • Support Zachry quality program, ensuring proper quality checks and verifying proper documentation of input data.
  • Responsible for engineering and design of the Process engineering scope of assigned projects. Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria.   
  • Must be able to manage a portfolio of many small projects or a large/EPC project, as required.
  • Supervise, coordinate, and review work of a staff of engineers to accomplish objectives. As needed, support projects as an individual contributor.
  • Mentors younger engineers, leading by example.  Leads department development initiatives and standards creation/review/update.
  • Responsible for developing process flow diagrams (PFD),d piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), and Process/Mechanical Equipment Datasheets
  • Responsible for sizing and rating various equipment like pumps, horizontal and vertical vessels, heat exchangers, and air coolers.
  • Responsible for performing hydraulic analysis and calculations for piping systems.  Experience to include evaluating systems involving single phase, two phase, slurries, water hammer, slug flow, and distribution networks.  Tools required should range from spreadsheet through rigorous software evaluations.
  • Participate in various client Process Hazard Analysis reviews (i.e. risk review, HAZID, HAZOP/LOPA).
  • Responsible for design of relief system including contingency analysis, relief valve sizing, flare header design, and flare header analysis.
  • Present technical information to peers and/or clients for review and comment. 
  • Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
  • Evaluate equipment and process to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Estimate resource requirements of new project proposals in support of business development.
  • Coordinate with offshore High Value Engineering Center to determine work split between offices and delegate engineering and drafting scope, as required.
  • Responsible for timely submittal of administrative aspects of project execution including weekly budget tracking, schedule updates, forecasts of effort to complete and earned value tracking.
  • Must maintain active status in a drug and/or alcohol testing consortium.

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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924