Location : Jurupa Valley, CA
Salary : $85,000 — $120,000
General Description
The primary responsibility of the Pipe Stress Engineer is to ensure the structural integrity and safe operation of piping systems by performing stress analysis, designing and selecting appropriate supports, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards. You will manage projects that are performed in-house and with 3rd party vendors. You shall communicate with Sales team and Design team as the pipe stress subject matter expert (SME). Additionally, you will play a vital role in the design, analysis, and optimization of cryogenic piping systems to ensure their reliability and performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, specialized knowledge in cryogenic piping systems, and proficiency in pipe stress analysis software (such as AutoPIPE, CAESAR II, or Triflex).
Under the direction of the department manager, you will perform piping analysis work, and interface with multiple teams in the design of cryogenic piping systems and pipe supporting elements. You will support engineering design projects in the following areas:
- Prepare analytical reports determining the reactions of piping on equipment and structures.
- Interpret and apply code requirements.
- Review proposed piping support systems, identify issues, and recommend appropriate, cost-effective solutions.
- Interface and exchange engineering details between external contacts including equipment suppliers, clients, and installation contractors.
- Manage workload to meet project commitments.
- Consult with client and others on field-related issues including follow-up reports or design modifications.
The identification of Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities does not display an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the related work that may be assigned to this position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) on pipe stress and pipe support design, including ASME and other relevant codes and practices.
- Use experience, software, or another method to analyze pipe systems to ensure adequate pipe flexibility to meet code requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable systems that meet the Company’s Design Standards.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, codes, and regulations in the preparation of all cryogenic system designs for contracts and proposals.
- Perform piping flexibility analysis and computational pipe stress analysis using AutoPIPE software (or similar tools) on various cryogenic piping systems to evaluate structural integrity and reliability. May include advanced seismic, dynamic, thermal, and structural support designs.
- Identify potential stress points, thermal expansion/contraction issues, and vibration concerns within the piping system.
- Ensure that designs are workable, makes recommendations and develops alternative solutions with conclusions reviewed by higher levels.
- Facilitate communications between the flexibility analysis team and the fabrication design team. Shall ensure that all relevant analysis data is accurately transferred and reflected on the fabrication prints.
- In-depth engineering analysis and design.
- Prepares engineering analysis of piping system design in accordance with scope, quality, and budget requirements for all assigned work for contracts and proposals.
- Specify guide, anchor, spring hangers, expansion joints, and other “engineered” supports, including alternate materials and suppliers if lead times are longer than project schedules allow.
- Provide recommendations for modifications, support, or reinforcement to mitigate stress-related issues.
- Prepares analytical reports, correspondence, procedures, specifications, and technical calculations.
- Conduct calculations and simulations to determine stresses, deflections, and other critical parameters.
- Review proposed piping support systems, identify issues, and recommend appropriate, cost-effective solutions.
- Develop detailed design plans, layouts, and specifications for cryogenic piping systems, considering factors such as pressure, temperature, flow rates, and material properties.
- Generate bill of materials (BOM) for supports, guides, anchors, stops, flex joints, and expansion joints in support of fabrication activities and schedules.
- Collaborate and provide technical input and advise engineers, project managers, designers, and project stakeholders to understand project requirements and ensure designs meet requirements.
- Collaborate and manage workload of in-house work and 3rd party and act as a liaison for communication between 3rd party vendors and the Company’s team.
- Provide senior-level technical interface between customer, engineering, and sub-contractors to determine root-cause of problems and to develop effective solutions.
- Consult with client and others on field-related issues including follow up reports or design modifications.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, as well as strong interpersonal skills and relationship building.
- Review client and vendor standards, specifications, calculations, and drawings.
- Review and approve pipe stress analyses and support designs from third parties by means of submittals and RFI’s.
- Manage workload to meet project commitments.
- Independently organize and prioritize work assignments with an ability to balance conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Additional Responsibilities
- Develop detailed engineering designs and drawings for manufacturing.
- Assist in the development and testing of new products and processes.
- Identify the level of analysis needed for various piping systems through review of P&ID’s, thermal input sheets and communicate with project stakeholders to help develop project timeline, budget, and resources.
- Prepares technical data and reports for sales personnel, customers, and publications using good internal presentation and report writing skills.
- Continually develop and improve upon project workflows and standards to ensure each design is consistently excellent.
- Utilize CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) to create models, piping drawings, and isometric views.
- Produce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications.
- Calculating wall thickness as per code.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure accurate and timely completion of deliverables.
- Maintain thorough and organized records of design changes, analysis results, and project documentation.
- Collaborate with quality control and inspection teams to address any deviations or non-conformities.
Education, Work Experience, Skill Requirements, and Certifications
Minimum Education Required
Qualifications are listed below. Candidates with any combination of these qualifications will be considered.
- A BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace, or Structural/Civil Engineering, from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program, with an emphasis in solid mechanics, structural analysis, theory of elasticity, metallurgy, and finite element analysis. EIT Certification is a plus.
Minimum Experience Required
· 1 or more years of engineering experience
- Strong knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes.
- Expertise in BIM software, including Navisworks, Revit, and AutoCAD.
- Expertise in 3D modeling software and modeling management software such as SolidWorks and PDM.
- Experience with other engineering software tools, such as simulation and analysis software.
- Specialist knowledge of piping discipline and general knowledge of other disciplines.
- Solid understanding of systems design and performing stress analysis on complex piping systems
- Demonstrated ability to independently create functional and cost-effective designs/process that meet complex specification requirements.
- Experience in managing projects.
- Advanced knowledge of discipline codes and standards of the ASME B31.3.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft office applications.
- Familiarity with pipe stress analysis software such as AutoPIPE (or similar software).
Preferred Education & Experience
- Registered as a professional engineer (PE) in California or ability to obtain comity licensure within 6 months.
- 3-5 years as an Engineer I, Structural Engineer I, or comparable experience.
- 2-5 years’ experience with piping stress analysis software, preferably AutoPIPE (or similar software).
- Experience of specialty support (springs, hangers, etc.)
- Solid understanding of internal economic factors affecting assignment areas (costs, margins, profit impact of decisions).
- Strong understanding of cryogenic systems, including knowledge of materials, insulation, and thermal expansion considerations.
- Experience working on stress critical systems associated with critical equipment including but not limited to static equipment, pump, heat exchanger, vertical vessel, column, and PSV systems.
- Expert knowledge of ASME piping codes, ASTM material standards, structural codes, and building and fire codes.
- Knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards such as API 620, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, etc.
- Society of piping engineers and designers (SPED) certification or equal.
- Proficiency in performing pipe stress analysis utilizing the TRIFLEX platform
- Minimum License, Certifications, Affiliations/Memberships, and CEU’s:
- Valid California driver’s license and an insured vehicle in good working order.
Skills Required
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to apply advanced laws, principles, theorems and mathematics or industry knowledge in the improvement and development of designs.
- Strong ability to perform quick visual inspection & manual calculations in addition to computational analyses.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in articulating ideas both verbally and written, with stakeholders, Executive Management, colleagues, customers, vendors, and contractors, both one-on-one and in group settings.
- Ability to prepare accurate, effective, complete, and easily understood written communication and reports. Demonstrates strong internal presentation skills.
- Desire to do the impossible with a positive and professional attitude, ability to communicate clearly and interface at an executive level.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Must have strong organizational skills and be detail orientated.
- Ability to handle several projects simultaneously, prioritize work and handle last-minute demands appropriately.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without constant supervision.
- Ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
- Must be customer service orientated.
- Personable, approachable, and capable of teaching.
- Be willing to share knowledge and train others how to perform a task.
- Be motivating to co-workers and willing to help encourage others.
- Shall be attentive to other’s actions/reactions and understand why a reaction may have occurred.
- Be willing to meet as equals and try to reconcile differences.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
Travel
- May travel occasionally to field sites to assist with product related problems or to obtain application data. Interfaces with equipment vendors.
Special Requirements
- May be required to work weekends and holidays as business necessitates; schedules will be determined by management with at least 48 hours advance notice.
- Additional duties and responsibilities are subject to change depending on the needs of the business.
- The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.
- Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.
Work Environment
- A professional work environment in an office setting.
- Deadline oriented.
- Constant Interaction with staff in an open office environment.
- Overtime will be required occasionally.
- Occasional visits to the fabrication area only when needed.
- Frequently, in the office, the following conditions apply:
- Employees work in an office with moderate noise levels (such as computers and printers) and controlled temperature conditions.
- Occasionally, in the shop, the following conditions may apply:
- Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Requires working in very hot (above 90° F) or very cold (below 32° F) temperatures.