Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc•Knoxville, TN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mesa Associates is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as the senior advisor for our Piping & Pressure Systems practice, delivering projects for our Generation, Industrial, and Government clients. This role is centered on review and guidance rather than day-to-day design production: you will bring deep piping and pressure vessel expertise and strong power industry experience to catch issues, verify code compliance, and steer engineers across the department toward sound technical decisions, rather than producing the bulk of the designs yourself. We're looking for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly, and genuinely enjoys helping others get it right.

Requirements

Expert knowledge of mechanical design codes including ASME, ANSI, API, and NFPA, with deep specialization in ASME B31.1/B31.3 piping codes and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, API 650, and API 620
Extensive, well-rounded experience across piping and pressure vessel design for the power industry specifically, including coal, gas, and hydro generation, gained over a long career in the field
Sharp eye for identifying design errors, code gaps, and constructability issues in piping and pressure vessel calculations, drawings, and specifications produced by others
Strong background in stress analysis of piping systems, custom piping components, and fabrication assemblies, with knowledge to check work performed using AutoPIPE and/or Caesar II
Working knowledge of pressure vessel and tank design fundamentals, including nozzle loading, wall thickness, and code stamping requirements, sufficient to independently verify others' calculations
Comfortable reading and checking Plant3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and SolidWorks piping isometrics, layouts, and 3D models produced by the team
Recognized depth of experience across a wide range of piping and pressure vessel project types, serving as a natural go-to resource for the department
Working knowledge of industrial HVAC design fundamentals, including load calculations, ductwork sizing, and equipment selection
Comfortable reading and reviewing HVAC drawings and specifications, particularly where they intersect with piping and pressure system scopes, such as chilled water or steam and condensate piping
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and PE License (required)
15+ years of experience in piping design and pressure vessel engineering, with strong, direct experience in the power industry
A track record of checking, reviewing, and improving the work of other engineers, in addition to strong personal technical ability
A track record of coaching and developing engineers at multiple experience levels
Strong written and verbal communication skills with internal and external clients
Well organized, detail-oriented, and quick to spot issues and offer practical solutions
A collaborative, team-first mindset and a genuine willingness to help wherever needed

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical checker for piping and pressure vessel designs, calculations, and drawings produced by the team, verifying code compliance and engineering accuracy before issue
Review and check detailed stress analysis and pressure vessel calculations for major projects
Advise engineers on piping and pressure vessel code questions, design approach, and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle
Perform independent spot checks and occasional walkdowns to verify field conditions match design assumptions
Weigh in on complex or unusual piping and pressure vessel challenges where deep power industry experience is needed
Stamp piping and pressure vessel deliverables as the reviewing engineer of record where appropriate
Review and advise on HVAC-related scopes when they intersect with piping and pressure system design, such as chilled water and steam/condensate piping
Coordinate with the department's HVAC and utility systems engineers on shared scopes as needed
Serve as the most experienced technical resource in the Piping & Pressure Systems practice, checking work and providing guidance to engineers at every level of the department
Review and advise on the team's deliverables as the primary focus of the role, rather than producing the bulk of the designs directly
Mentor piping-focused engineers, offering coaching on code compliance, stress analysis, and design practices
Check deliverables across the department and offer constructive, practical feedback
Support proposal development and client-facing technical discussions for piping and pressure vessel scopes
Set a strong example of collaboration, accountability, and a positive attitude that the rest of the team can learn from