Senior Mechanical Engineer Heat Transfer – HRSG Specialist - Houston, TX

About the role

Independently performs mechanical design activities for all phases of heat transfer equipment design, with a specific emphasis on Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs), for a project of moderate size and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical and thermal design of HRSGs, heat exchangers, and related pressure equipment, including preparation and review of engineering calculations, design documentation, and equipment layouts.
• Serve as the primary mechanical engineering interface with clients on technical matters.
• Conduct field trips to existing plants to gather operating data and equipment information.
• Develop and review data to help prepare equipment specifications, inquiry and purchase requisitions for approval.
• Evaluate vendors' bids and drawings to assure compliance with specifications for equipment.
• Contribute to the development of equipment lists by providing detailed specifications for heat transfer equipment.
• Prepare equipment data sheets and thermal design specifications.
• Develop and evaluate thermal and mechanical design improvements to optimize equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Participate in the review and development of design guides, specifications, and project documentation.
• Read and interpret relevant engineering standards and codes, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, TEMA, and applicable API Recommended Practices.
• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of welding procedures, material selection, and nondestructive examination (NDE) methods.
• Communicate equipment design to clients and other design disciplines.
• Participate in reviews of PFD's and P&ID's.

Qualifications and Experience

• Requires a minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience in mechanical design or related functional area (or equivalent working knowledge/experience).
• This includes considerable experience in utilizing various computer software packages and automated engineering and design equipment.
• Requires an active Professional Engineer (PE) License.
• May require the ability to obtain reciprocal Professional Licensing in additional states (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generators) systems.
• Experience with duct burners, SCR/CO catalyst systems, and emissions controls.
• Experience with boilers.
• Experience with combined cycle power plants.
• Experience with conversions, modifications, and new HRSG projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Sections I, VIII, II, V, IX), TEMA Standards, ASME B31.1/B31.3, and applicable API Recommended Practices.
• General knowledge of process simulation tools such as HYSYS and ASPEN Plus; ability to interpret outputs but not required to perform simulations.
• Preferred experience with engineering and design tools such as HTRI, Compress, PVElite, CodeCalc, AutoCAD, ASPEN EDR.
• Knowledge of API standards such as API 560, API 535, API RP 556, and API 537 is beneficial.
• Experience with other types of fired equipment such as fired heaters, waste heat boilers, thermal oxidizers, and flares is beneficial.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
• Capable of presenting technical data to peers, stakeholders, and design review teams in both verbal and written formats.
• Skilled at interpreting and applying technical data, including charts, graphs, design codes, and engineering theories.
• Proficient in leading technical meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring alignment on engineering deliverables and action items.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent engineering degree) from an ABET accredited program.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.

Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, managers, designers and engineers.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Physical Demands

Occasionally may conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site. This requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Lifting to 25 pounds may be required.

Work Environment

Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally may visit or be temporarily assigned to work in an operating plant or at a construction site. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.