Project Manager, Engineering - Graphitization

KBR Inc

Houston, TX

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
3D Modeling, Capital Project, Change Management, Chemical Engineering, Clean Technologies, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Engineering, Construction Support, Conveyor Systems, Cost Engineering, Cross-Functional, Crushing, Customer Relations, Document Control, Documentation, Electricity, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Engineering, Engineering Management, Equipment Selection, Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Instrumentation, International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC), Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Metallurgy, Model Review, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), OSHA, Performance Analysis, Problem Solving Skills, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Professional Engineer, Project Development, Project Engineering, Project Execution, Project Lifecycle, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Management, Regulations, Risk, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Safety Process, Safety/Work Safety, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical Presentation, Technical/Engineering Design, Time Management, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Selection
LOCATION
Houston, TX
POSTED
30+ days ago

Title: Principal Project Manager of Engineering - Graphitization

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

KBR is looking for a Principal Project Manager of Engineering, Graphitization who will lead the full technical lifecycle of large‑scale graphitization, carbon processing, and bulk‑solids‑handling projects-from early feasibility through detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning. Operating with broad autonomy, this role carries end‑to‑end accountability for technical success on major capital projects typically exceeding $500 million in total installed cost.

This leader oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams, often through subordinate managers, and serves as the primary technical liaison with clients and owners. The position requires deep industry expertise and the ability to manage complex domestic and international project portfolios, including joint ventures, alliances, and multi‑project programs. Responsibilities may also include supervising Project Engineers and directing the technical development of proposals for multifaceted project scopes.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Engineering Leadership & Management

  • Lead and manage multi-discipline engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, instrumentation & controls).
  • Establish engineering execution plans, design standards, and deliverable schedules aligned with overall project objectives.
  • Act as the technical authority for graphitization and bulk solids handling systems throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Mentor and develop senior and mid-level engineers; provide technical oversight and performance feedback.

Project Execution

  • Manage engineering activities from conceptual design, FEED, and detailed engineering through construction support and commissioning.
  • Interface closely with project management, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations teams.
  • Support equipment selection, vendor evaluations, and technical bid reviews for long-lead and critical equipment.
  • Ensure engineering deliverables meet cost, schedule, and quality requirements.

Technical Scope

  • Oversee design and integration of:
  • Carbon material handling, crushing, milling, and classification systems
  • Bulk solids conveying systems (pneumatic, mechanical, gravity-fed)
  • Material storage, feeding, and dust collection systems
  • Utilities, offsites, and supporting infrastructure
  • Ensure robust consideration of operability, maintainability, reliability, and safety.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

  • Champion process safety, mechanical integrity, and industrial safety throughout design and construction.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., ASME, NFPA, OSHA, IEC, API where applicable).
  • Lead and participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, PHA studies, constructability reviews, and readiness reviews.
  • Ensure engineering documentation is complete, accurate, and aligned with quality management systems.

Stakeholder & Client Interface

  • Serve as the primary engineering interface with clients, licensors, OEMs, and external engineering partners.
  • Present technical solutions, design progress, and risk assessments to executive leadership and project stakeholders.
  • Support change management, risk mitigation, and resolution of complex technical issues.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (Masters degree preferred).
  • Minimum 15 years of progressive engineering experience in industrial or heavy manufacturing environments.
  • Direct experience with:
  • Graphitization, thermal processing, or high-temperature materials systems
  • Bulk solids handling, storage, conveying, and dust mitigation systems
  • Proven experience managing engineering teams on large-scale capital projects ($100MM+ preferred).
  • Strong knowledge of EPC execution models and stage-gated project development.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects through execution and commissioning.

Preferred Education & Skills:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience in carbon materials, battery materials, metallurgy, or advanced materials manufacturing.
  • Prior experience working with international vendors and global engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with digital engineering tools (3D modeling, model-based reviews, document control platforms).

Core Competencies

  • Technical leadership and decision-making
  • Project execution and risk management
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Clear technical communication
  • Problem-solving in complex, high-risk environments
  • Safety-first mindset

Decarbonization - Energy Transition - Sustainability

KBR 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.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

We Deliver - Together.

#LI-DE1

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of teams philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

About the Company

K

KBR Inc

When you become part of the When you become part of the KBR team, your opportunities are endless. As a leading global technology, engineering, procurement and construction company serving the hydrocarbons and government services industries. For decades it has been the company that customers turn to for their most challenging assignments.

With operations in 40 countries, KBR has more than 25,000 people delivering services to customers in over 70 countries. Together they represent an unmatched reservoir of talent and experience in a wide range of markets.

Whatever the assignment, no matter how complex or demanding, KBR can marshal resources across every product line to respond quickly and effectively to changing markets and customer needs.

Whether it's providing the technology and consulting know-how to develop our customers' valuable assets; designing and constructing the infrastructure and facilities to develop energy resources in some of the world's more remote and challenging locations; providing support and services for men and women of their countries' armed forces; or navigating the intricacies of undertaking major projects in geopolitically or culturally sensitive environments, our clients depend on KBR because they know that We Deliver.

Join us and you'll be part of a dynamic, elite team of professionals who understand what it takes to get a job done and has the experience, knowledge and determination to succeed.”

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Construction - Industrial Facilities and Infrastructure
FOUNDED
1998
WEBSITE
https://www.kbr.com/en