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Principal Process Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Facilities Engineer is the primary technical contact supporting the safe and ... Act as a process safety leader for assigned sites, including participation in PHAs and use of the ...

The Principal BESS Engineer / BESS Engineering Manager will work with project teams, external ... Technically qualify new vendors and products in internal due diligence processes. Maintain and ...

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The Principal BESS Engineer / BESS Engineering Manager will work with project teams, external ... Support project team with design review process, construction coordination, and commissioning of ...

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Principal Process Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$83.1K

$143.3K

$174.3K

How much do principal process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer in Houston, TX is $143,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,100.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal process engineer?

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Principal Process Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

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

Infographic showing various Principal Process Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,324 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Industrial Water Senior Process Mechanical Engineer

Arcadis

Houston, TX • On-site

$40.75 - $55.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

115th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis' Industrial Water Treatment and Optimization (IWTO) team is seeking a Senior Process Mechanical Engineer / Design Manager with 10+ years of consulting engineering experience to contribute to our expanding portfolio of industrial water and wastewater related design projects. In this role, you will support the growth and development of the business through the application of knowledge and expertise in the field of industrial water and wastewater engineering, client services, and design management. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Function as the process engineer on industrial water/wastewater projects
  • Apply processes and technologies for physical/chemical primary treatment, biological treatment, membrane treatment, adsorption, filtration, disinfection, thermal evaporation and crystallization
  • Receive technical mentoring and guidance from a principal process engineer or subject matter expert
  • Delegate engineering or scientific calculations/ drawings to mid-level and junior staff
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary design teams to implement complex treatment solutions
  • Participate on business development/ sales opportunities with clients, including selling of projects to clients and preparation of proposals,
  • Support or lead implementation of projects from study phase through design, construction, startup and commissioning, and operation and maintenance of treatment systems

This is a hybrid work position. Client facilities and projects are located throughout the US, with some international assignments. Preferred locations include Houston, Dallas, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Tampa, Denver, Atlanta and Philadelphia; however, other locations may also be considered.
Role accountabilities:
  • Active business and risk manager capable of successfully planning and executing projects.
  • Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to project team members.
  • Make decisions guided by organizational and functional strategies / objectives.
  • Deliver guidance and meaningful feedback to support career development and progression of mid-level and junior staff.
  • Demonstrate expert critical thinking, accountability, collaboration, communication, self-discipline, self-development, conflict resolution and adaptability/flexibility skills.
  • Work in and contribute to all areas of the IWTO business (business development, technology, and project delivery).
  • Have a strong understanding of industrial water, business trends, and competitor strategies.
  • Travel as needed for client meetings, project site visits, etc. project staffing needs (up to 25%)
  • Possess a very strong understanding of different types of industrial wastewater treatment systems.
  • Design delivery, capital and operation and maintenance cost estimation, consulting engineering firm experience
  • Project scheduling and work planning, proven ability to manage and deliver industrial water projects

Qualifications & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering.
  • 10+ years of industrial wastewater experience
  • Professional Engineer registration in one or more states
  • Valid US driver's license

Preferred
  • Master's degree or PhD in environmental or chemical engineering
  • 14+ years of experience
  • Proven ability to sell projects to industrial clients
  • Very strong competitor knowledge and focus
  • Can-do approach
  • Demonstrated team player and builder

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $97.600- $157,380.
Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
#LI-SP1
#Hybrid

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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US