Principal Mechanical Engineer [HOU]

Hanwha Ocean Energy Plant Unit•Houston, TX

13d

About The Position

At Hanwha Ocean EPU, we empower our people to engineer the future of sustainable energy through meaningful work on cutting-edge offshore, onshore, and global infrastructure projects that create lasting impact for industries and communities worldwide. As we evolve into a comprehensive EPCI(O) solutions provider, our expanding portfolio now spans FPSO, FLNG, floating production units, renewables, onshore power generation, and future centric infrastructure projects. Our globally connected teams collaborate across regions and disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver world-class end-to-end solutions. Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team at the Energy Plant Unit and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the onshore and offshore industry. #OneEPU “Build, what matters. Grow, without limits. Power, the future with Hanwha Ocean EPU.” The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical authority responsible for leading mechanical engineering and design for offshore and onshore plant projects, with strong focus on FPSO, FLNG, offshore facilities, topsides mechanical systems, and mechanical equipment packages. This role provides expert guidance across the full project lifecycle, including concept, pre-FEED, FEED, tender, EPCI, detailed design, fabrication, integration, commissioning, and project closeout. The position acts as a focal point for complex mechanical engineering matters, including equipment selection, specifications, datasheets, material requisitions, technical bid evaluations, vendor document review, design reviews, multidisciplinary interfaces, and resolution of technical issues. The Principal Mechanical Engineer ensures that mechanical deliverables comply with applicable international codes, project requirements, client expectations, classification society requirements, and internal quality standards. This role requires deep offshore oil and gas engineering expertise, proven experience with mechanical equipment packages and topsides design, and the ability to influence engineering decisions, mentor engineers, and provide technical assurance in a complex global project environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum 15 years of mechanical engineering experience, including significant experience in offshore oil and gas, FPSO, FLNG, EPC, EPCI, shipbuilding, or energy plant projects.
Extensive experience in mechanical systems, static equipment, and mechanical equipment packages for offshore topsides or large-scale plant projects.
Proven track record leading complex engineering work across concept, pre-FEED, FEED, tender, detailed design, construction support, commissioning, or project delivery phases.
Strong knowledge of international design codes and standards such as ASME, API, ISO, DNV, and project-specific technical requirements.
Ability to review and approve technical deliverables including specifications, datasheets, RFQs, technical bid evaluations, vendor documents, drawings, calculations, and engineering studies.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical issue resolution, influence stakeholders, and provide sound engineering decisions under schedule, cost, quality, and safety constraints.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills and ability to work effectively with clients, vendors, shipyards, engineering offices, and multidisciplinary project teams.
High level of professionalism, integrity, adaptability, and accountability in a dynamic global project environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Prior experience at a top-tier FPSO, FLNG, offshore contractor, EPC/EPCI contractor, or global engineering organization.
Proficiency with engineering software and tools such as PV Elite, Compress, HTRI, HYSYS/UniSim, Aspen EDR, AVEVA E3D, Navisworks, or equivalent tools.
Experience conducting vendor audits, manufacturing facility visits, technical risk assessments, design reviews, and multidisciplinary interface reviews.
Experience mentoring engineering teams and developing corporate or project-specific mechanical engineering standards.
International project experience and willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

Provide principal-level technical authority for mechanical engineering scope across offshore and onshore plant projects, including FPSO, FLNG, fixed and floating facilities, and topsides modules.
Lead the selection, design, specification, and technical assurance of mechanical systems, static equipment, and mechanical equipment packages.
Prepare, review, and approve key engineering deliverables such as equipment lists, specifications, datasheets, RFQs, material requisitions, technical bid evaluations, calculations, and design review inputs.
Guide material selection studies and ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards such as ASME, API, ISO, DNV, project specifications, and client requirements.
Provide expert input to topsides layout development, equipment arrangement, constructability, operability, maintainability, and interface management during early design and execution phases.
Lead technical evaluation of vendor proposals, attend clarification meetings, review vendor drawings and documents, and support vendor audits or manufacturing facility visits when required.
Resolve complex technical issues arising during tender, concept, FEED, EPCI, fabrication, integration, installation, commissioning, or handover phases.
Participate in engineering risk assessments, design reviews, technical queries, management of change, and multidisciplinary interface coordination.
Mentor lead, senior, and junior engineers, review their work for accuracy and completeness, and contribute to continuous improvement of mechanical engineering standards and processes.
Maintain accurate technical records and ensure mechanical documentation meets project control, QA/QC, and formal issue requirements.