Senior Mechanical Engineer, Rotary Kiln Specialist

Location: Houston, Texas

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Title:

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

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• 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.
• PE license is favorable.

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

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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 team’s 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.