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

Manage the outsource of discipline engineering. * At the direction of the Department Head develop standards and procedures to increase department productivity * Provide business with capital ...

Interface directly with the Customer, Project Managers and Principal Project Engineers of the * Implement standard engineering solutions to successful completion and within budgeted time and cost ...

Interface directly with the Customer, Project Managers and Principal Project Engineers of the * Implement standard engineering solutions to successful completion and within budgeted time and cost ...

Arthur Lawrence is looking for a Project Engineer our clients project in Houston, TX. Please find ... We are a UN Women Empowerment Principal Signatory and are certified by National Minority Supplier ...

We specialize in consulting, engineering, procurement and construction across the project lifecycle, with services extending through to operations and decommissioning. Leveraging extensive experience ...

Project Engineer - Dyess AFB

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Engineer- Dyess AFB Work Location: Dyess AFB, TX Salary: Based on experience and will be ... Review and documentation of principal construction features, requirements, plans, specifications ...

Project Engineer - Fort Hood

Houston, TX · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Engineer- Fort Hood Work Location: Fort Hood, TX Salary: Based on experience and will be ... Review and documentation of principal construction features, requirements, plans, specifications ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

... the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced ... Project Governance: Define and manage project scope, resource allocation, budgets, work/product ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

... the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced ... Project Governance: Define and manage project scope, resource allocation, budgets, work/product ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze requirements from ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze requirements from ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

Mechanical Project Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Responsibilities The Mechanical Project Engineer will: * Work in a team environment to analyze ... Familiar with principal operations of safety relief valves and how to specify them. * Highly ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Project Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$70.7K

$140.6K

$202.9K

How much do principal project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project engineer in Houston, TX is $140,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $165,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal project engineer?

Principal Project Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for leading and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. They oversee project teams, coordinate resources, ensure adherence to technical standards, and communicate with stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget. Their role often involves high-level decision-making, risk management, and providing technical guidance to other engineers. Additionally, they may help set project strategies and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

How does a principal project engineer typically interact with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Principal Project Engineer plays a central role in coordinating efforts across various departments, such as design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement. They lead technical discussions, ensure alignment on project goals, and resolve cross-functional challenges to keep the project on track. Effective communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate technical requirements between teams are crucial for success in this role. Regular meetings, progress updates, and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common aspects of their daily responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Principal Project Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, project management, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering with several years of relevant experience. Proficiency with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and relevant industry certifications (like PMP or PE licensure) is often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and stakeholder alignment. These abilities are crucial for delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

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

AspectPrincipal Project EngineerProject Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and extensive experience; often professional engineer (PE) licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads large projects, oversees teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersSupports project tasks, manages specific project segments, reports to senior engineers
Industry UsageCommon in construction, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectorsUsed across various engineering fields for project execution

The Principal Project Engineer holds a senior leadership role, overseeing entire projects and teams, while the Project Engineer focuses on specific project tasks and supports project management. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Principal Project Engineer typically has more experience and responsibilities.

Infographic showing various Principal Project Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,591 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

Principal Project Engineer- Design Lead

Eli Lilly and Company

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.


At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

The Global Facilities Delivery (GFD) Organization, part of Corporate Engineering and Continuous Improvement, delivers new and renovated capital assets around the world. Our mission is accomplished through a highly leveraged organization of design, construction and qualification contractors. Many of the assets delivered focus on medical innovation and delivering innovative solutions to patients. Some of the assets delivered will support an expansion in supply of existing medicines or making the supply chain more robust.The Design Lead (DL) will serve in the following capacity:

Responsibilities:

  • Lead in the identification of the applicable Engineering Design Standards, Engineering Functional Standards, Engineering Specifications and Regulatory requirements and guidance (both internal and external).
  • Be responsible for the overall design delivery for capital project(s).
  • Coordinate all design for the Project Manager during all design phases of the project and be responsible in delivering the conceptual design review and basic design review.
  • Direct the development of the design requirements.
  • Assist in development and maintenance of the design schedule to meet the project needs.
  • Participate in the selection of the A/E firms.
  • Coordinate with A/E firms to develop earned value progress systems to measure progress by discipline (monitor work versus invoice amounts).
  • Expedite design decisions and coordinate information flow between the design team and system owners.
  • Be responsible for ensuring the design meets approved intent through interactions between the design firm, design specialists, engineering tech center disciplines, and end user/customer.
  • Be responsible for design activities and governance, resolving design-related problems.
  • Examine areas of inefficiency and develop strategies for improvement to direct the design team to meet or improve on the design hours plan.
  • Assist in the development of standard operating procedures, project delivery work instructions, and/or best practices related to design/verification and ensure they remain current with industry best practices.
  • Review and approve along with the respective Project Manager the key design project personnel (both internal and external resources).
  • Work with Engineering Tech Center resources and other key project team technical/constructability resources to address and resolve design issues.
  • Ensure replication is achieved during design when applicable.
  • Support the Project Manager for value engineering exercises efforts to maximize project opportunities.
  • Review design-related invoices prior to approval and participate in KPI reviews/assessments.
  • Participate in the selection of the verification professional services.
  • Accountable for the development of the Project Verification Plan, Traceability Matrix, and risk assessments (not necessary lead the execution).

Basic Requirements:

  • BS in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred)
  • Minimum of 8-years manufacturing and/or engineering experience in support of pharmaceutical or API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) networks
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1

Additional Preferences:

  • Pharmaceutical process or project engineer experience
  • Strong project management skills
  • Ability to effectively facilitate conflict to resolution
  • Ability to influence all levels of the project and site personnel
  • Understanding of the capital project delivery process, A/E design activities, and the understanding of the available Lilly technical resources (user reps, Engineering Tech Center resources, and design specialists)
  • Demonstrated values that are consistent with the Lilly values
  • Able to frame complex decisions/analyses, facilitate to a decision, and implement according to the plan
  • Ability to create creditability and influence to align decision agreements between site(s), corporate engineering, A/E firm decision-makers, and stakeholders who have differing opinions
  • Experience facilitating issue resolution, anticipating scope changes, and implementing projects safely with quality, speed and value
  • Willingness to relocate and/or travel to locations outside of home state/country and have the demonstrated ability to work from long distances with little supervision
  • Comfortable maintaining an in-office presence 3-4 days per week

Additional Information:

  • Travel can be both domestic and international, on average about 25%, depending on the phase of the project
  • The potential of co-location at the A/E firm or the job site to support C&Q activities for periods of time could occur based on project needs

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.


Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$66,000 - $171,600

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly


What Eli Lilly and Company employees say

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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876