Principal Engineer – Pipeline, Instrumentation & Controls

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Principal Engineer supporting natural gas utility projects primarily focused on pipeline, controls, and automation in Southern California. Collaborating with clients and managing projects effectively.

Posted 7/29/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $140,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on natural gas utilities, pipeline design, and instrumentation. Proficient in engineering calculations, design documentation, and project execution from scoping to commissioning.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical EngineeringCalifornia Professional Mechanical Engineer License10+ Years Of Engineering ExperienceNatural Gas Transmission And Distribution SystemsEngineering Design Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering CalculationsDesign DocumentationProcess Piping DesignAutomation SystemsSCADA IntegrationPressure Control SystemsFlow MetersProgrammable Logic ControllersControl ValvesHydraulic Calculations

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Outlook

Certifications & Qualifications

California Professional Mechanical Engineer License

Industry Keywords

Natural Gas UtilitiesPipeline DesignInstrumentation And ControlsEnergy InfrastructureApplicable Codes And StandardsASME B31.8ASME B31.3APIANSINFPA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinate directly with clients, project managers, operations personnel, and other stakeholders to identify project needs, define design requirements, and support successful project execution.
Develop project scoping documents, design criteria, engineering work plans, technical memoranda, proposals, and cost and schedule estimates.
Support the design and modernization of natural gas transmission and distribution facilities, including pipelines, distribution regulator stations, pressure control systems, metering facilities, and related infrastructure.
Develop engineering designs for the installation of gas control, automation, and real-time remote monitoring equipment at existing and new facilities throughout Southern California.
Prepare designs involving pressure, flow, and temperature transmitters; gas detection equipment; remote control valves; control valves; flow meters; pressure regulators; programmable logic controllers; remote terminal units; control panels; and communications equipment.
Support the design of electrical power, conduit, cabling, grounding, communications, and control infrastructure associated with instrumentation and automation improvements.
Develop and review pipeline routing, station layouts, piping modifications, equipment arrangements, valve configurations, tie-in details, and related mechanical design documents.
Perform process and hydraulic calculations, pressure-drop evaluations, equipment sizing, valve sizing, relief-system evaluations, and other engineering calculations.
Evaluate existing facility conditions and determine modifications required to accommodate new equipment, instrumentation, controls, piping, electrical systems, and communications infrastructure.
Prepare and review engineering drawings and documents, including: Process Flow Diagrams Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams Plot plans and equipment layouts Pipeline alignment and profile drawings Instrument loop diagrams Control schematics and wiring diagrams Cause-and-effect matrices Control narratives and philosophies Shutdown and alarm philosophies Instrument indexes and I/O lists Equipment, valve, and line lists Demolition and construction drawings.
Develop control narratives, alarm setpoints, shutdown logic, interlocks, and operating sequences in coordination with operations, gas control, SCADA, and automation teams.
Coordinate SCADA integration requirements, communications architecture, point mapping, alarm configuration, and data exchange between field equipment and remote monitoring systems.
Support point-to-point verification, loop checks, functional testing, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, startup, commissioning, and performance testing.
Participate in field investigations, site walks, constructability reviews, design reviews, and project meetings.
Review existing drawings, records, survey information, inspection reports, and field conditions to confirm design assumptions and identify potential project constraints.
Coordinate with civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, pipeline, corrosion, survey, environmental, permitting, land, right-of-way, construction, and operations teams.
Prepare requests for quotation, evaluate vendor proposals, respond to technical clarifications, and prepare technical bid evaluations and equipment recommendations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
10+ years of engineering experience supporting natural gas utilities, pipelines, process facilities, instrumentation and controls, automation, or related energy infrastructure.
California Professional Mechanical Engineer license required.
Experience with natural gas transmission or distribution systems, regulator stations, metering facilities, process piping, or pipeline facility design.
Experience preparing or reviewing engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, data sheets, and technical reports.
Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, which may include ASME B31.8, ASME B31.3, API, ANSI, ISA, NFPA, NEC, and applicable federal, state, and local pipeline safety requirements.
Understanding of engineering design development from initial scoping and field investigation through detailed design, construction support, startup, and project closeout.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other standard business applications.
Ability to travel to project sites, client offices, and in-person meetings as dictated by project requirements.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Benefits

Comp & perks

health, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) with employer match
paid time off