Vibration Analyst (Turbine Systems)

The Junior Vibration Analyst supports the condition monitoring of gas and steam turbines and other rotating machinery using vibration data collection, analysis, and reporting tools. This role assists senior analysts in identifying early warning signs of mechanical issues such as imbalance, misalignment, looseness, and bearing defects, contributing to proactive maintenance and increased equipment reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection & Logging

• Perform routine vibration data collection using handheld data collectors or online monitoring systems.

• Follow standardized routes for turbines, compressors, pumps, and generators.

• Ensure accurate logging of asset ID, operating condition, and vibration readings.

2. Preliminary Vibration Analysis

• Review collected data for basic indicators: overall vibration, spectral peaks, phase relationships.

• Support identification of abnormal conditions such as unbalance, misalignment, or bearing issues.

• Assist in documenting and tagging potential faults for further review by senior analysts.

3. Reporting & Documentation

• Enter vibration findings and comments into the CMMS or reliability database.

• Generate basic reports and trend graphs for internal review.

• Maintain clean records and route histories for compliance and audits.

4. Support During Turbine Outages or Startups

• Assist senior engineers during turbine start-up or shutdown monitoring using real-time systems.

• Learn to interpret trends in vibration during transient conditions.

5. Tool & System Familiarization

• Operate vibration analysis tools such as SKF Microlog, Emerson CSI, GE Bently Nevada (System 1).

• Develop familiarity with ISO 10816/20816 vibration severity standards.

Key Focus Areas:

• Turbomachinery Assets Covered:

  • Gas Turbines (GE, Siemens, Solar, Mitsubishi)

  • Steam Turbines, Axial and Centrifugal Compressors

  • Generators, Pumps, Motors, Fans

• Common Faults Detected:

  • Unbalance, misalignment, mechanical looseness, resonance

  • Bearing faults (inner/outer race defects), rotor rub, cavitation

  • High axial/radial vibration and excessive harmonics

• Tools & Technologies:

  • Portable data collectors (SKF, Emerson, Fluke, Pruftechnik)

  • Online monitoring systems (Bently Nevada 3500, System 1, SmartSignal)

  • Software: AMS Machinery Manager, SKF @ptitude Analyst, Excel

• Reference Standards:

  • ISO 10816 / 20816 – Vibration severity

  • API 670 – Machinery Protection Systems

  • Basic understanding of rotor dynamics and modal behavior

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:

  • Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Industrial Maintenance

• Experience:

  • 0–3 years in rotating equipment diagnostics or reliability engineering (internship or project experience counts)

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • Vibration Analysis Level I (ISO 18436-2) from Mobius, BINDT, or equivalent

• Technical Skills:

  • Familiarity with FFT spectra and waveform interpretation

  • Basic knowledge of turbine and compressor operating principles

  • Excel for graphing and trend analysis

• Soft Skills:

  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling

  • Willingness to learn advanced diagnostics

  • Team-oriented with strong observational skills