ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Fluids Engineering Dept. Experimental Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in San Antonio is seeking an Engineer to provide support for research projects on fluid systems. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least one year of experience in fields like oil and gas or alternative energy. Responsibilities include conducting lab research, managing projects, and developing innovative solutions. The role offers opportunities to engage with clients and work on pressing engineering challenges in the energy-water nexus.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1 year of experience in relevant fields like oil and gas or alternative energy.
• Hands-on experience in experimental methods or facility operation.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for research projects on fluid systems.
• Conduct experimental laboratory research for complex fluid flow systems.
• Implement data acquisition and control systems.
• Manage research projects and document findings.
• Engage with clients on solutions and attend conferences.

Skills

Oil and gas industry experience

Greenhouse gas mitigation

Experimental methods

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

LabVIEW programming

SolidWorks/Creo/Ansys/Fluent modeling

Python programming

Data acquisition experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

SolidWorks

Creo

Ansys

Fluent

Job description

Who We Are:

We solve complex fluids problems to help society gain access to energy and water. Mutual respect and collaboration define our culture, where the sharing of knowledge and the drive for excellence are pervasive. Safety is a top priority and is integrated in every operation.

Objectives of this Role:

• Provide engineering support for research projects on fluid systems and fluid handling equipment.
• Topics include oil and gas equipment testing, erosion testing, methane mitigation, carbon sequestration, and alternative energy.
• Design, build, and operate experimental testing programs that create field-realistic process flow conditions (pressure, temperature, fluids) in controlled test environments.
• Lead experimental research projects in a laboratory setting.
• Develop innovative solutions for commercial and government clients on the world’s challenges in the energy-water nexus.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Conduct experimental laboratory research for complex fluid flow systems at existing facilities (Erosion Flow Test Facilities, Multiphase Flow Facility) and other specialized temporary test setups.
• Implement data acquisition and control systems, select and install various instruments, operate test facilities, and perform tasks confidently under customer observation.
• Manage research projects and document findings. Post-process test data; and present reports and technical papers; manage the technical and financial performance of projects.
• Learn and apply new skills in a fast-paced research environment led by pursuit of industry’s most pressing engineering challenges.
• Interact and engage with commercial and government clients to develop solutions that fit their requirements, attend conferences, create promotional material, bid new projects, and write proposals.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, or directly related degree field.
• 1 years: Experience in one of these fields: Oil and gas industry, greenhouse gas mitigation, carbon sequestration, alternative energy, water management (harvesting, reuse, or desalination), or similar energy related field.
• Hands-on experience with experimental methods (e.g., lab testing, data acquisition) or facility operation in an engineering context.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and team skills and the ability to effectively communicate complex information.
• Must have the willingness and ability to learn new technical skills and have the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize work.
• Experience with one or more of the following: LabVIEW programming or similar data acquisition and controls experience, modeling in SolidWorks/Creo/Ansys/Fluent, or programming using Excel VBA/MathCAD/Matlab/Python is required.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.