Piping Stress Analysis Engineer

Check piping loads on equipment nozzles (pumps, compressors, turbines, vessels, heat exchangers, tanks, fired heaters) against API, NEMA, WRC and vendor allowables. They work closely with piping design, structural, equipment and vendor teams, write stress reports, check other engineers work, and support construction and operations with field fixes.

JOB TITLE: Piping Stress Analysis Engineer
LOCATION: Corpus or Houston, TX
DURATION: 3-6+ Month Contract to Hire or Direct Hire
RATE RANGE: $60-70/hour

TOP 3 SKILLS:

1. 5+ years of pipe stress analysis in chemical, petrochemical, refining, oil & gas, power or industrial facilities
2. CAESAR II (required), with working knowledge of ASME B31.3 / B31.1 and flange standards (B16.5 / B16.47)
3. Nozzle load evaluation on equipment (API 610 / 617 / 650 / 661, WRC 107 / 297) and specifying pipe supports, spring hangers and expansion joints

POSITION SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Piping Stress Analysis Engineer to lead, perform and review static and dynamic stress analysis on process, utility and high-temperature, high-pressure piping. This engineer models systems in CAESAR II and checks the loads piping puts on pumps, compressors, vessels and other equipment. They also specify supports and hangers, and handle special cases like water hammer, vibration and relief valve thrust. They work closely with piping design, structural, equipment and vendor teams, write stress reports, check other engineers work, and support construction and operations with field fixes. Strong communication matters, since they explain results and recommended fixes to designers, leadership and clients.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, review and perform static and dynamic stress analysis on process, utility and high-temperature, high-pressure piping per ASME B31.3, B31.1 and project specifications.
• Model piping in CAESAR II and evaluate sustained, thermal expansion and occasional loads like wind, seismic and relief valve thrust.
• Check piping loads on equipment nozzles (pumps, compressors, turbines, vessels, heat exchangers, tanks, fired heaters) against API, NEMA, WRC and vendor allowables.
• Specify pipe supports, spring hangers, guides, anchors and expansion joints, and flag critical lines early through flexibility screening.
• Evaluate special cases like water hammer/surge, slug flow, relief valve discharge, vibration and flange leakage.
• Coordinate with piping design, process, structural, civil, rotating equipment and vendor teams, and provide pipe rack and foundation loads.
• Prepare stress reports and calculation packages, and check and review other engineers work.
• Support construction and operations by resolving field issues, RFIs, modifications and re-rate checks.
• Explain stress results and recommended fixes clearly to designers, project leadership and clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of pipe stress analysis in chemical, petrochemical, refining, oil & gas, power or industrial facilities.
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.3, B31.1, ASME Section VIII and B16.5 / B16.47 flanges.
• Experience with at least 80% of the following:
  • Thermal flexibility analysis
  • Sustained and occasional load cases
  • Wind and seismic loads (ASCE 7)
  • Nozzle load evaluation (API 610 / 617 / 650 / 661, WRC 107 / 297)
  • Flange leakage checks
  • Expansion joints and spring supports
  • Relief valve reaction forces
  • Underground piping
  • Pipe rack loads
  • Jacketed or non-metallic piping
• Good understanding of piping materials, pipe supports, and coordinating the 3D model with the piping design team.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• CAESAR II (required) or AutoPIPE
• Microsoft Excel
• Bluebeam
• ASME B31.3, B31.1, Section VIII, B16.5 / B16.47; ASCE 7; API and WRC nozzle-load standards

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• FEA (finite element analysis) tools like ANSYS or Abaqus
• Dynamic and transient analysis tools like AFT Impulse
• API 579 fitness-for-service
• Familiarity with owner and EPC stress criteria and practices
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT (Engineer in Training) certification

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.

FAIR CHANCE POLICY:
Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.