Vibration Analyst (Turbine Systems)

The Mid-Level Vibration Analyst is responsible for performing detailed vibration data analysis and diagnostics on gas turbines, steam turbines, compressors, and other critical rotating equipment. This role helps prevent machinery failures, supports predictive maintenance, and ensures high equipment availability and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Condition Monitoring & Diagnostics

• Conduct vibration data collection and analysis on turbines and associated rotating equipment using portable and online systems.

• Diagnose common faults: imbalance, misalignment, bearing wear, looseness, rubs, and resonance.

• Interpret FFT spectra, time waveform, envelope analysis, and phase readings.

2. Fault Reporting & Maintenance Support

• Generate diagnostic reports and provide actionable recommendations to maintenance and reliability teams.

• Support root cause analysis (RCA) following machinery failures or abnormal behavior.

• Collaborate with maintenance during planned shutdowns, overhauls, and startups for dynamic vibration assessment.

3. System Calibration & Tool Handling

• Manage and calibrate vibration monitoring equipment (e.g., accelerometers, velocity probes, eddy current probes).

• Use online systems (e.g., Bently Nevada System 1, Emerson AMS, SKF @ptitude) for real-time monitoring and trend analysis.

• Validate data quality and ensure consistent route execution.

4. Reliability Strategy & Data Trending

• Assist in developing reliability programs (RCM/CBM) based on vibration data trends.

• Maintain vibration history logs, alarm limits, and performance baselines.

• Coordinate with rotating equipment and instrumentation teams to improve system integrity.

5. Training & Mentoring (Optional)

• Guide junior analysts or technicians on proper data collection techniques.

• Participate in audits and continuous improvement reviews related to equipment reliability.

Key Focus Areas:

• Equipment Covered:

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

  • Steam turbines, centrifugal compressors, pumps, fans, motors

  • Generators and critical auxiliary systems

• Common Diagnostics Performed:

  • Unbalance, misalignment, mechanical looseness, bearing faults

  • Electrical issues (fluted bearings, rotor bar faults)

  • Rubs, resonance, soft foot, oil whirl/whip detection

• Tools & Software:

  • Bently Nevada (3500/3701), Emerson AMS 2140, SKF Microlog

  • Software: System 1, AMS Machinery Manager, SKF @ptitude, ADRE

  • Data historians: PI System, DCS/SCADA integration

• Applicable Standards:

  • ISO 10816 / 20816 – Vibration severity

  • API 670 – Machinery protection systems

  • Vibration Analysis Levels I–II (ISO 18436-2)

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field

• Experience:

  • 3–7 years of experience in vibration analysis, preferably in turbine or large rotating equipment environments

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • ISO Level II Vibration Analyst (Mobius Institute, BINDT, Vibration Institute)

• Technical Skills:

  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of FFT analysis, phase analysis, envelope detection

  • Ability to correlate mechanical symptoms with vibration signals

  • Familiarity with predictive maintenance strategies and CMMS platforms

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong analytical and reporting skills

  • Good communication with cross-disciplinary teams (maintenance, engineering, operations)

  • Proactive attitude toward problem-solving and reliability improvement