Principal Product Development Engineer

Principal Product Development Engineer Messer Americas life insurance, paid time off, short term disability, long term disability, 401(k) United States, Texas, Houston Mar 20, 2026

Description Job Summary:

• This key role will spearhead Messer's plant product development initiatives.
• Working with the conceptual engineers and the Product Development Manager, the Principal Process Engineer, Product Development will evaluate technology options, determine the process design of our products and develop the initial process package for standard products.
• This position is responsible for completing process related activities in support of product and solution development across our industrial gases portfolio.
• The principal engineer takes on a leadership role within the team and across the organization to ensure products are managed properly in regards to process excellence.
• The ideal candidate job holder is broadly versed in simulation, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), heat & material balances, equipment design, and Piping & Instrument Diagram (P & ID) development.
• Products developed are for ASU, CO2 and electronics opportunities.

Why Messer? Messer is the world's largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on. The true strength of Messer is our people-at every level and in every role. Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care. Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Act as a subject matter expert and principal engineering resource for all process related activities in support of the development of products for ASU, CO2 and Electronics opportunities.

o Chemical process simulations of air separation, CO2 plants and other systems. o Develop sizing information for process equipment (compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, distillation columns, separators, reactors, etc.) and provide information in the form of equipment data sheets. o Developing Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P & IDs) o Provide process details for control system design (alarm and trip setpoint lists). o Interfacing with equipment vendors, reviewing specifications, and equipment drawings to ensure the supplied equipment meets the process requirements. o Developing power and cooling water summaries for products, as needed. o Leading HAZOPS and resolving process related HAZOP actions o Interfacing with other departments to provide support for proposals/projects involving developed products. o Solicit feedback from plant operations personnel and incorporate equipment adjustments where appropriate. o Participate in plant startups, performance tests, and plant troubleshooting as required (up to 25% in the field).

• Develop block flow diagrams, project specifications (PS1/PS2) and other needed information to the Engineering and Proposals department for budgetary and firm cost development on proposals.
• Support development of technical standards, as required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in simulation modeling (UNISIM/HYSYS)
• Proficiency in P & ID development, HAZOP activities.

Functional Skills:

• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
• Capability to analyze large plant datasets in Excel or other software
• Experience with Autocad is a plus.

Managerial Skills:

• Ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work minimal supervision.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with project management, operations, and business development as needed.
• Ability to interact with diverse groups to obtain desired information and outcomes.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS or higher degree in Chemical Engineering
• 15+ years of experience in proposal, process engineering or related field.

The salary range for this position is $135,000-$180,000. Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short term disability, life insurance and paid time off as well as other voluntary benefits, such as, long term disability in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Plans. Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer's 401(k) Plan. Employees may be eligible to participate in the company's bonus program.

About Messer:

Messer's safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another. We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization - the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different. If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.