Staff Mechanical Engineer - Heat Transfer - Houston, TX

About the role

Independently performs mechanical design activities for all phases of heat transfer equipment design for projects of moderate size and complexity. Must be fully competent in performing all conventional aspects of mechanical design and applying independent judgment for the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation of standard design methods and procedures. Assignments have clear and specific objectives and may require the investigation of several variables.

About S&B

S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With extensive experience across industries including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper, S&B is committed to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, offering competitive compensation, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a comprehensive benefits program.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May provide limited technical guidance for less experienced design personnel.
• May be responsible for coordinating and reviewing progress of group activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent engineering degree) from an ABET accredited program.
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in mechanical design or related functional area (or equivalent working knowledge/experience).
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) License; successful completion of NCEES PE Examination.
• Ability to obtain reciprocal Professional Licensing in additional states (preferred).
• Proficient in engineering and design tools such as HTRI and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with mechanical design and thermal rating software including COMPRESS, PVElite/CodeCalc, AutoCAD, and ASPEN EDR.
• General knowledge of process simulation tools such as HYSYS and ASPEN Plus; ability to interpret outputs.
• Proficiency with ASME BPVC, TEMA, and API Recommended Practices such as API 660, API 661, API 663, API 667, and API 668.
• Experience with different types of heat transfer equipment such as shell and tube heat exchangers, air-cooled heat exchangers, hairpin heat exchangers, and brazed aluminum heat exchangers.
• Exposure to PFR FRNC5 software for fired heater modeling is preferred.

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.
• Experienced in leading technical meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring alignment on engineering deliverables and action items.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry, and apply them to practical situations.

Responsibilities

• Prepares basic design sketches and performs calculations in support of broader design activities involving the mechanical design and thermal sizing of heat exchangers.
• Meets with clients’ technical staff to discuss technical information and features.
• Conducts field trips to existing plants to gather operating data and equipment information.
• Gathers data to help prepare equipment specifications, inquiry, and purchase requisitions for approval.
• Evaluates vendors' bids and drawings to assure compliance with specifications for equipment.
• Contributes to the development of equipment lists by providing detailed specifications for heat transfer equipment.
• Assists in thermal sizing and rating of heat exchangers using HTRI software; prepares equipment data sheets in Excel.
• Participates in the review and development of design guides, specifications, and project documentation.
• Reads and interprets relevant engineering standards and codes, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, TEMA, and applicable API Recommended Practices.
• Demonstrates a foundational understanding of welding procedures, material selection, and nondestructive examination (NDE) methods.
• Communicates equipment design to clients and other design disciplines.
• Participates in reviews of PFDs and P&IDs.
• Occasional travel requirements (less than 10%).

Physical Demands

• Occasionally may conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site, requiring normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb, and balance.
• Clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

Work Environment

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