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

S&B Houston•Memorial Office (West), TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Mechanical Engineer independently performs mechanical design activities for all phases of heat transfer equipment design, with particular emphasis on Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs). The role applies independent judgment to evaluate, select, and adapt standard design methods and procedures for projects of moderate size and complexity. Assignments have clear objectives and may require investigation of several variables. The engineer leads mechanical and thermal design for HRSGs, heat exchangers, and related pressure equipment; prepares and reviews engineering calculations, design documents, and equipment layouts; and serves as the primary mechanical engineering contact for clients on technical matters. The position also contributes to equipment specifications, procurement documents, vendor evaluations, equipment data sheets, thermal design specifications, and improvements to equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability. The role provides technical guidance to design personnel and coordinates and reviews group progress. It also supports staff performance evaluations and hiring candidate reviews. Occasional travel to existing plants or construction sites is required, at less than 10%. The usual work environment is a business office, with occasional visits to operating plants or construction sites.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.
At least 12 years of experience in mechanical design or a related functional area, or equivalent working knowledge and experience.
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with HRSG systems.
Experience with duct burners, SCR/CO catalyst systems, and emissions controls.
Experience with boilers and combined-cycle power plants.
Experience with HRSG conversions, modifications, and new projects.
Demonstrated proficiency with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Sections I, VIII, II, V, and 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, including the ability to interpret outputs; performing simulations is not required.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
Ability to present technical data verbally and in writing to peers, stakeholders, and design review teams.
Skill in interpreting and applying technical data, including charts, graphs, design codes, and engineering theories.
Ability to lead technical meetings, set agendas, facilitate discussions, and align participants on engineering deliverables and action items.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and to present information and respond to questions from clients, managers, designers, and engineers.
Ability to work with probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Ability to meet physical demands associated with occasional plant or construction-site visits, including standing, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain reciprocal Professional Engineer licensing in additional states.
Experience with engineering and design tools such as HTRI, Compress, PVElite, CodeCalc, AutoCAD, and ASPEN EDR.
Knowledge of API 560, API 535, API RP 556, and API 537.
Experience with other fired equipment, including fired heaters, waste heat boilers, thermal oxidizers, and flares.

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical and thermal design of HRSGs, heat exchangers, and related pressure equipment.
Prepare and review engineering calculations, design documentation, and equipment layouts.
Serve as the primary mechanical engineering interface with clients on technical matters.
Visit existing plants to gather operating data and equipment information.
Develop and review data for equipment specifications, inquiry documents, and purchase requisitions for approval.
Evaluate vendor bids and drawings for compliance with equipment specifications.
Contribute detailed specifications for heat transfer equipment to equipment lists.
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 applicable engineering standards and codes, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, TEMA, and API Recommended Practices.
Apply a foundational understanding of welding procedures, material selection, and nondestructive examination methods.
Communicate equipment design information to clients and other design disciplines.
Participate in reviews of PFDs and P&IDs.
Provide technical guidance to design personnel and coordinate and review group activities.
Assist with staff performance evaluations and reviews of hiring candidates.