Project Development Engineer

About Utility

Utility is delivering sustainable energy solutions, enabling the energy transition to a low carbon world. It’s our passion, our drive and why we exist. Our team combines world-leading expertise and thought leadership with many decades of industry experience. Leveraging our proprietary and differentiated solutions, Utility is unlocking beyond net-zero hydrogen production as the

affordable clean energy of the future.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Project Development, the Project Development Engineer will support the preparation of technical proposals and early project development activities. This role is the primary proposal interface between Engineering, Projects, and Business Development, will form a key part of the business development team, and is integral to the business and project development process and success. This role also focuses on front-end-loading (FEL) studies, feasibility evaluations, and developing technical solutions that form the basis of proposals. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality work packages and technical content that enable Utility’s business development efforts.

This role is based in Houston and requires some travel (approx. 20–25%, including international).

Key Responsibilities

- Support Front-End-Loading (FEL) Studies:

- Assist in developing FEL deliverables such as PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and preliminary cost and schedule estimates.

- Work with process, mechanical, and project engineering teams to ensure scope, schedule, and budget are met.

- Proposal Development:

- Contribute to technical sections of proposals, ensuring accuracy and consistency with FEL findings.

- Prepare supporting documentation and respond to technical clarifications during proposal evaluations.

- Risk & Safety Considerations:

- Participate in technical risk identification and mitigation planning.

- Support HAZOP and other safety/environmental reviews during early project stages.

- Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:

- Work closely with Engineering, Projects, Business Development, and Supply Chain teams.

- Help improve proposal and FEL work processes by applying best practices and lessons learned.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.

- Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with exposure to feasibility studies, front-end project work, or technical proposal development.

- Strong foundation in engineering principles (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer).

- Experience preparing engineering deliverables (PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, or cost/schedule inputs).

- Solid problem-solving skills and ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

- Comfortable with ambiguities that exist in early FEL stages or first-of-a-kind project proposals.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired:

- Experience in oil & gas, petrochemicals, industrial gases, or related energy sectors.

- Familiarity with process simulation or design tools (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, Plant3D).

- Understanding of project management basics (scope, budget, schedule)