Project Engineer

Airgas•Houston, TX

42d•Hybrid

About The Position

Airgas is hiring a Project Engineer in Houston, TX. This role will contribute to increasing the Project Management ability to predict project progress by delivering a holistic, consolidated, and independent view on schedule to meet overall Project objectives/targets. The position involves designing, engineering, and upgrading systems related to nitrogen pumping units and trailer-mounted vaporizer units (TMVUs), as well as retrofitting legacy units. Responsibilities include upgrading HMI/PLC software, developing a telemetry roadmap, partnering with mechanics on maintenance, tracking asset utilization, and defining operator competencies. The role also assists in preparing capital projects, budgets, and scopes, performing lease/buy analyses, and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Safety and compliance are key, requiring oversight of the Industrial Management System, participation in hazard reviews, and adherence to all safety, health, and environmental requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, preferably mechanical or chemical.
A minimum of 2 years of industrial experience.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the industrial gases industry, products, and customers is preferred.
Previous nitrogen pumping business experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Design, engineer, and create precise P&IDs and specifications for new nitrogen pumping units and trailer-mounted vaporizer units (TMVUs) to guide custom vendor builds.
Lead retroactive engineering to produce accurate P&IDs for legacy units (Heat Recovery, Hot Gas, Offshore) capturing undocumented modifications for PHAs; maintain up-to-date red-line P&IDs across all pumpers in standard Airgas templates.
Upgrade HMI/PLC software with robust data logging and develop a fleet-wide telemetry roadmap for remote monitoring and predictive engine/sensor failure analysis.
Partner with mechanics on predictive/preventive maintenance; establish lifecycle standards (capacity verification, service life, retirement criteria) for pressure components; and manage procurement controls for safety-critical gear.
Track asset utilization, maintenance, usage trends, and downtime to guide future purchases, presenting key metrics directly to leadership in monthly business reviews.
Define equipment-specific operator competencies and abnormal condition responses; maintain comprehensive data packages (tech sheets, safety features, diagrams) as reference tools for sales and operations.
Assist in the preparation of capital projects, equipment overhauls, project budgets, schedules, and scopes for engineered systems, including nitrogen pumping and bulk supply.
Assist operations leadership by performing lease/buy analyses and writing supportive project notes to develop business cases for capital budget expenditures.
Identify and implement opportunities to reduce fixed operating costs and improve efficiency within authoritative levels.
Optimize service costs by performing basic engineering calculations, design, equipment specification, and procurement.
Contribute to the development of new product offerings to meet customer requirements.
Oversee the continuous implementation and integration of the Industrial Management System (IMS), ensuring all generated action items are closed out by their due dates.
Participate in hazard and Management of Change reviews/approvals, PSSRs, PHAs, HAZOPs, SOP development, and regulatory training.
Adhere to all safety, health, and environmental requirements, including process safety management.
Promote a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with company standards in all assigned activities.