Senior Mechanical Engineer, Rotary Kiln Specialist

KBR, Inc. • Houston, TX

9d

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support major capital projects involving rotary kilns and calciners. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in calcining—preferably within a graphitization environment—and deep expertise in rotary kiln and calciner design, solids handling, and combustion. This technical leader will collaborate closely with manufacturing teams and rotary‑kiln suppliers to specify and procure optimal equipment, with additional responsibility for metallurgy and refractory selection and air‑particulate emissions reduction. Experience operating kilns in inert environments and working across multiple disciplines within an EPC organization is strongly preferred. As KBR’s subject matter expert for rotary kilns and calciners, this engineer will guide critical mechanical decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Mechanical Engineering & Technical Leadership Lead project execution related to the design, optimization, and scale‑up of graphitization processes. Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for rotary kiln selection, and technology evaluations. Coordinate technology selection, vendor evaluations, and conceptual layouts. Specification, requisitioning and drawing review of rotary kiln designs. Participate in feasibility studies, cost estimates, and risk assessments to support business development and proposals. Safety, Compliance & Quality Ensure all process designs and modifications comply with applicable safety standards and environmental regulations. Support process hazard analyses (PHA), HAZOPs, and risk assessments. Commit to a culture of delivering products, services, and solutions that meet or exceed customers' needs and expectations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• At least 10 years of experience, including experience in Mechanical engineering roles within EPC or large capital project environments.
• Deep technical expertise in rotary kilns and calciners.
• Extensive experience producing and reviewing engineering and supplier deliverables through FEL1–FEL3 and execution phases.
• Proven ability to work across engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, controls, civil/structural) within the EPC environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.

Nice To Haves

• PE license is favorable.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution related to the design, optimization, and scale‑up of graphitization processes.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for rotary kiln selection, and technology evaluations.
• Coordinate technology selection, vendor evaluations, and conceptual layouts.
• Specification, requisitioning and drawing review of rotary kiln designs.
• Participate in feasibility studies, cost estimates, and risk assessments to support business development and proposals.
• Ensure all process designs and modifications comply with applicable safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Support process hazard analyses (PHA), HAZOPs, and risk assessments.
• Commit to a culture of delivering products, services, and solutions that meet or exceed customers' needs and expectations

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees