Mechanical Designer – Pressure Vessels & Skid-Mounted Equipment
Location:
Abilene, TX or Houston/Katy, TX Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Employment Type: Direct Hire Salary Range: $75,000–$90,000
Overview:
An established manufacturer serving major oil & gas producers is seeking an experienced Mechanical Designer to take ownership of equipment design from initial concept through fabrication. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on pressure vessels, skid packages, tanks, and production equipment used in demanding field environments. You will work closely with Project Managers, Design Engineers, and Process Engineers to develop accurate 3D models, fabrication drawings, P&IDs, and complete Bills of Materials that directly support manufacturing success. This is not a drafting-only role — it's a true design position requiring technical judgment, industry code knowledge, and real-world fabrication awareness. If you have strong SolidWorks expertise and experience designing pressurized equipment released for fabrication, this opportunity offers long-term stability, technical ownership, and meaningful collaboration with manufacturing teams.
Key Responsibilities:- Design equipment from initial concept through production release in a professional and time-efficient manner
- Develop detailed SolidWorks 3D models and fabrication-level drawings that meet engineering and customer specifications
- Create General Arrangement (GA) drawings and shop fabrication drawings
- Prepare Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Generate and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and parts lists
- Apply relevant industry codes and standards to design work (ASME, API, ASTM, etc.)Perform drafting checks and revise drawings as needed
- Support manufacturing by troubleshooting fabrication challenges and implementing design improvements
- Participate in design reviews and contribute technical insight
- Conduct dimensional surveys and prepare as-built drawings
- Assist in developing internal design standards, systems, and procedures
- Contribute ideas for new product development and enhancement of existing equipment
- Required Skills and QualificationsBSME or BSMET with at least 3 years of similar design experience — OR — 5+ years of similar mechanical design experience
- Proven experience designing pressure vessels or pressurized equipmentExperience creating fabrication drawings for manufacturing release
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorksAbility to prepare Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Working knowledge of industry codes and standards including:
- ASME Section VIII, Division 1ASME B31.3AWSAPIASTMNACEOSHAKnowledge of piping systems, pipe schedules, flanges, fittings, valves, and instrumentation used in oilfield production equipment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work onsite and in manufacturing or field environments
Preferred Skills:- Experience designing skid-mounted process equipment
- Extensive background working with tanks, vessels, and production equipmentExperience collaborating closely with fabrication teams
- Strong problem-solving ability in real-time manufacturing situations
- Ability to balance multiple active projects
- Forward-thinking mindset focused on design improvement and efficiency
