Pressure Vessel Engineer – ASME Section I and VIII

The Mid-Level Pressure Vessel Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, compliance verification, and technical support of pressure vessels, steam drums, and heat exchangers in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Sections I and VIII. This role involves engineering judgment, hands-on design work, and coordination across disciplines to ensure the safety, integrity, and code compliance of pressure-retaining components.

The engineer will work on both new construction and modifications of existing systems, contributing to project execution, quality assurance, and regulatory documentation across various industrial or utility applications.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and Engineering Analysis

• Perform detailed calculations for pressure vessel design including wall thickness, nozzle reinforcement, stress analysis, and external pressure evaluation per ASME Section I and Section VIII Div. 1 & 2.

• Use design software (e.g., Compress, PV Elite, ANSYS) for analysis and compliance verification.

2. Material and Code Compliance

• Select appropriate materials based on service conditions, corrosion, temperature, and ASME code constraints.

• Ensure materials, welding procedures, and fabrication processes meet ASME, NBIC, and client-specific standards.

3. Fabrication and Vendor Coordination

• Collaborate with fabricators to ensure design intent and code compliance during vessel construction.

• Review and approve fabrication drawings, weld maps, and inspection procedures.

4. Inspection, Testing, and Quality Assurance

• Review hydrostatic and pneumatic test procedures, radiography, and other NDE results.

• Work with Authorized Inspectors (AI) and quality teams to ensure successful vessel certification and stamping.

5. Regulatory and Documentation Management

• Prepare and review Manufacturer's Data Reports (Form U-1, P-1, etc.), engineering calculations, and drawing packages.

• Ensure traceability and documentation for vessel registration with regulatory bodies or jurisdictions.

6. Support to Plant Operations and Modifications

• Provide technical support for existing vessels during plant outages, rerating, or alteration projects.

• Perform rerating, fitness-for-service assessments, or revalidation of older equipment as per NBIC and API 579 where applicable.

7. Project Execution and Engineering Support

• Support cross-disciplinary engineering teams in pressure boundary layout, support design, and integration with piping, insulation, and controls.

• Manage timelines and deliverables for pressure vessel packages in capital projects.

Key Focus Areas:

1. ASME Code Application and Design Accuracy
   Ensure precise and consistent application of ASME Section I & VIII standards across all vessel designs.

2. Engineering Calculations and Design Software Use
   Apply design tools (Compress, PV Elite) and perform stress evaluations using FEA where needed.

3. Quality Assurance and Inspection Planning
   Lead technical aspects of pressure testing, NDE interpretation, and AI coordination for certification.

4. Fabrication Oversight and Vendor Interface
   Manage fabrication documentation, resolve design clarifications, and verify compliance at manufacturing facilities.

5. Operational Support and Fitness for Service
   Assist maintenance and reliability teams in evaluating existing equipment for code conformance, operational efficiency, and safety.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.

• 4–8 years of experience in pressure vessel engineering, with proven knowledge of ASME Section I and VIII.

• Proficient in pressure vessel design tools such as PV Elite, Compress, and AutoCAD/SolidWorks.

• Working knowledge of welding procedures (WPS/PQR), NDE techniques, and QA/QC documentation.

• Familiarity with NBIC, API 579, and relevant fabrication codes and standards.

• Strong documentation and communication skills to coordinate across engineering, QA, vendors, and inspectors.