Job Description

Application Engineer – Packaged Process & Skid Systems
Location: Northwest Houston, TX Area
Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite

Position Overview

An engineering and manufacturing organization is seeking an Application Engineer to support the development of custom-engineered equipment used across energy and industrial facilities. This role is highly technical and combines front-end application engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing support to deliver packaged systems such as chemical injection skids, hydraulic power units, pressure-containing equipment, and modular process assemblies.

The Application Engineer serves as the technical bridge between sales, engineering, and production—ensuring customer requirements are translated into practical, manufacturable designs that meet performance, safety, and cost objectives.

Core Responsibilities

Application & Concept Development

• Translate customer specifications, process requirements, and operating conditions into engineered equipment solutions.

• Develop preliminary designs, cost inputs, and technical scopes to support quotation and proposal activities.

• Evaluate project requirements to determine appropriate system architecture, materials, and component selection.

• Participate in technical discussions and design reviews with customers and internal stakeholders.

Mechanical & Process Design

• Design skid-mounted process and utility systems, including structural frames, piping assemblies, and equipment integration.

• Generate process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), hydraulic schematics, and general arrangement layouts.

• Perform component sizing and system calculations for pumps, valves, relief devices, accumulators, and instrumentation.

• Select materials and mechanical components suitable for pressure service, corrosive environments, and operational loads.

• Ensure designs account for fabrication methods, lifting/transportation requirements, and maintainability.

Structural & Analytical Engineering

• Support structural design of skid frames and modular assemblies, including analysis for lifting, transportation, and offshore handling conditions.

• Utilize FEA or similar analytical methods to validate structural integrity where required.

• Apply relevant industry design practices for packaged equipment and modular structures.

Manufacturing & Execution Support

• Work closely with fabrication teams to ensure drawings, bills of material, and assembly instructions support efficient production.

• Assist with procurement activities by coordinating with vendors and reviewing technical submittals.

• Provide hands-on engineering support during equipment assembly, testing, and commissioning.

• Troubleshoot mechanical or process issues encountered during fabrication or validation testing.

Testing, Documentation & Delivery

• Participate in equipment testing alongside shop personnel and clients to confirm performance against specifications.

• Develop technical documentation including operating manuals, testing procedures, and engineering reports.

• Maintain clear communication of project status, deliverables, and engineering decisions throughout execution.

• Review fabrication drawings, piping drawings, and testing documentation to ensure compliance with project and industry standards.

Required Technical Capabilities

• Experience designing skid-mounted or modular process equipment in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and fluid system behavior (pressure, flow, and control).

• Ability to size and specify pumps, control valves, pressure relief devices, and auxiliary equipment.

• Familiarity with industrial piping design and applicable codes such as ASME B31.3.

• Working knowledge of hazardous area classification requirements and associated design considerations.

• Ability to interpret and develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment layouts using recognized industry symbology.

• Experience reviewing structural and piping drawings and coordinating multidisciplinary inputs.

• Proficiency with CAD tools and general engineering software.

• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with offshore and modular equipment standards and lifting/transport design practices.

• Understanding of structural design codes and recommended practices for skid-based systems.

• Experience applying pressure vessel and relief sizing methodologies aligned with industry guidelines.

• Exposure to international or project-specific compliance frameworks and equipment certification processes.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing or supporting packaged equipment, skid systems, or modular process units within a manufacturing setting.

• Demonstrated involvement in component selection, system sizing, and development of fabrication-ready engineering documentation.

What This Role Involves

This is a hands-on engineering position focused on turning concepts into buildable equipment. The role requires balancing analytical engineering with practical manufacturing awareness—ensuring designs are not only technically sound, but also cost-effective, serviceable, and ready for real-world industrial operation.