Mechanical Project Engineer

T. Baker Smith•Baton Rouge, LA

13h

About The Position

T. Baker Smith is seeking an experienced Mechanical Project Engineer to join its Engineering team. The role supports engineering, design, analysis, and execution of industrial, facilities, and pipeline projects from front-end engineering and preliminary design through construction support and commissioning. The position focuses on technical work involving natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems, pipeline facilities, and associated infrastructure, including piggable transmission systems and horizontal directional drill (HDD) crossings. The engineer independently performs calculations, develops design packages, supports project execution, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and clients. The Project Engineer plans, designs, and directs engineering projects and handles non-routine, complex assignments. Working with the Project Manager, the engineer develops design concepts and may also take on some project management tasks. The position may include supervising engineer interns or project technicians. Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments, with exposure to weather and outdoor noise, dust, smells, and other environmental factors. The role requires 40 or more hours per week and may involve nights away from home and weekend commitments; the posting does not specify the frequency or whether these are required.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
At least 5 years of experience in pipeline and midstream engineering.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred or ability to obtain licensure; the posting also lists a P.E. license among minimum requirements.
Strong working knowledge of 49 CFR Part 192, 49 CFR Part 195, ASME B31.8, ASME B31.4, and ASME B31.3.
Experience with HDD design and crossing analyses.
Ability to interpret and develop pipeline alignment sheets and construction drawings.
Strong technical writing and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
Ability to relate to clients and people at all levels of an organization, with excellent communication and diplomacy skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
Ability to use computers and technical software, including computer-aided drafting, spreadsheets, and business software.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Commitment to safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and engineering excellence.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
Experience with Technical Toolbox and Pipeline Toolbox software.
Experience with Microsoft Excel, GIS and mapping systems, and CAD-based design platforms.
Experience supporting both natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems.
Familiarity with project controls and Earned Value Management principles.
Construction management and/or field engineering experience.
Experience participating in PHA, HAZOP, or similar safety reviews.

Responsibilities

Lead technical tasks and engineering efforts on pipeline, industrial, facilities, and piping projects.
Participate in project planning, including preparation of project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
Develop project design concepts.
Maintain current knowledge of engineering and design software, techniques, procedures, and regulations.
Mentor and lead young engineers and technicians on technical design tasks.
Design natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems in accordance with applicable CFR requirements, ASME codes, and state and federal regulations.
Design and specify mainline pipelines and components, including block valve stations, launcher and receiver facilities, interconnects, crossings, and associated pipeline-operation facilities.
Prepare engineering calculations, studies, and technical evaluations, including MAOP and MOP, pressure design, minimum wall thickness, hydrostatic test pressure, pipe stress, HDD pullback and installation stress, 3D bend radius, wheel load and crossing, buoyancy control, flow modeling, material and component selection, and design verification analyses.
Develop project deliverables, including reports, computations, specifications, plans, studies, permits, and designs.
Prepare or modify quantity estimates, construction documents, and cost estimates.
Ensure drawings and designs meet project requirements and applicable standards through quality assurance and quality control.
Coordinate project tasks, scope, schedules, and budgets with the Project Manager, project team, and client.
Attend project, client, and public meetings, which may occur during the day or at night.
Optimize project and task scope, budget, and schedule under the direction of the Project Manager.
Communicate changes in workload, scope, schedules, and budgets to the Project Manager.
Direct and review project team work to ensure quality control and compliance with firm standards.
Potentially supervise engineer interns and/or project technicians.