Principal Pipeline Engineer
KBR
Houston, TX · Posted October 23, 2026
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About the job
Title: Principal Pipeline Engineer
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.
KBR is seeking a Principal Pipeline Engineer to serve as a recognized technical authority and subject matter expert for pipeline engineering projects. Under broad direction, this role provides strategic technical leadership, makes decisions and recommendations with significant organizational impact, and supports complex pipeline projects from concept development through startup and commissioning. The Principal Pipeline Engineer interfaces with clients, regulatory agencies, project teams, and executive leadership while driving technical excellence, operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and project success.
Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Lead pipeline projects from concept development through detailed engineering, construction support, commissioning, and startup.
Provide technical leadership and direction to multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple concurrent projects.
Serve as the technical authority for pipeline design, integrity, hydraulics, materials engineering, and regulatory compliance.
Perform and oversee pipeline wall thickness calculations, stress analysis, hydraulic modeling, material selection, and pipe specification development to ensure safe and reliable system performance.
Develop, review, and approve engineering deliverables, specifications, calculations, datasheets, and design documentation.
Conduct pipeline routing studies and optimization assessments that consider environmental, constructability, operational, permitting, and commercial requirements.
Utilize industry-standard engineering software such as Bentley OpenFlows HAMMER, AFT Fathom, Caesar II, PIPE-FLO, AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and MicroStation to support design development, hydraulic analysis, stress evaluations, routing, and system performance assessments.
Lead technical reviews, risk assessments, design audits, HAZOPs, and value engineering evaluations to improve project execution and reliability.
Ensure pipeline systems are designed and executed in accordance with applicable industry codes and standards, including ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, ASME B31.3, API 5L, API 1104, API 570, API 1160, NACE/AMPP standards, DOT PHMSA regulations, OSHA requirements, and environmental permitting requirements.
Interface directly with clients, operations personnel, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders to address complex technical challenges and secure required approvals.
Provide technical expertise and support for business development activities, proposals, project planning, and client presentations.
Lead investigations and root cause analyses related to pipeline performance, integrity, reliability, and operational issues.
Mentor and develop engineering personnel while promoting technical excellence and the sharing of best practices across the organization.
Function as a recognized subject matter expert, providing consulting and advisory services on specialized pipeline engineering matters.
Required Education, Experience & Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution; Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration preferred.
Minimum 10 years of pipeline engineering experience with demonstrated expertise supporting large-scale oil, gas, liquids, carbon capture, hydrogen, or industrial pipeline infrastructure projects.
Proven experience leading pipeline projects from concept selection through startup and commissioning.
Strong experience managing and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated expertise in pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, stress analysis, material selection, specification development, route selection, and integrity management.
Proficiency with pipeline engineering and analysis software including Bentley OpenFlows HAMMER, AFT Fathom, Caesar II, PIPE-FLO, AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and MicroStation.
Extensive knowledge and practical application of ASME B31.4, B31.8, and B31.3 pipeline and piping codes.
Strong familiarity with API 5L, API 1104, API 570, and API 1160 standards related to pipeline design, construction, inspection, and integrity management.
Working knowledge of NACE/AMPP corrosion control standards, DOT PHMSA regulatory requirements, OSHA regulations, and environmental permitting processes.
Excellent communication and consulting skills with the ability to influence clients, project leadership, regulatory agencies, and executive stakeholders.
Recognized capability to resolve complex technical issues and provide authoritative engineering recommendations with significant business impact.
Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.