Fitness for Service Analyst

Structural Integrity Associates; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 107,700 - 144,400; Full time

Job summary

Structural Integrity Associates is seeking a Mid-Level Analytical Engineer to independently perform stress analysis, creep and fatigue evaluations, and fracture mechanics assessments for heavy equipment in power generation and energy industries.

The role involves client interaction and mentoring junior staff, with focus on life assessment, reliability evaluation, and failure investigations for operating assets. Salary varies by location and experience.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
• MS/PhD: 6+ years of relevant experience.
• B.S.: 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with power generation systems (combined cycle, boiler plants).
• Experience with creep, fatigue, high-temperature materials.
• Proficiency in fracture mechanics.
• FFS assessment methodologies knowledge.
• Abaqus or ANSYS software proficiency.
• SolidWorks CAD proficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication; client interaction.
• Travel ~10–15% yearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead FE analyses addressing thermo-mechanical behavior and creep/fatigue.
• Perform life assessment calculations for creep, fatigue, and crack growth.
• Interpret material behavior using industry methodologies.
• Prepare technical reports, client presentations, and calculation packages.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide engineering recommendations.
• Participate in proposal development and project scoping.

Skills

Finite element analysis

Fracture mechanics

Stress analysis

Creep

Fatigue analysis

Materials degradation

FFS methods

Abaqus

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Technical communication

Travel readiness

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

SolidWorks

Job description

The Mid-Level Analytical Engineer independently performs stress analysis, creep and fatigue evaluations, and fracture mechanics assessments for heavy equipment within the power generation and energy industries, particularly supporting combined cycle and conventional boiler power plants. This role combines advanced technical execution with client interaction and mentorship of junior staff. The position primarily supports life assessment, reliability evaluation, and failure investigation projects for operating industrial assets.

Salary range: $126,300 – $171,000 in San Jose, CA; $107,700 – $144,400 in Denver, CO; $98,900 – $135,000 in Charlotte, NC; and $91,400 – $123,900 in Akron, OH. Exact pay will be commensurate with location, experience, and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead finite element and fracture mechanics analyses addressing thermo-mechanical behavior, creep deformation, and fatigue life.
• Perform life assessment calculations related to creep, fatigue, and crack growth mechanisms.
• Interpret material behavior and apply established industry methodologies and best practices.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, client presentations, and calculation packages; respond to client technical inquiries and provide engineering recommendations.
• Participate in proposal development, project scoping discussions, and technical business development activities.

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• M.S. or Ph.D.: 6+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• B.S.: 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Knowledge of power generation and energy industry systems, particularly combined cycle and conventional boiler-fueled power plants.
• Demonstrated experience with materials degradation mechanisms including creep, fatigue, and high-temperature material behavior.
• Proficiency in applied fracture mechanics principles.
• Working knowledge of fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment methodologies.
• Proficiency with Abaqus or ANSYS finite element analysis software.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and client interaction.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10–15% annually to industrial environments to support site assessment teams and project execution.

Enhanced Qualifications

• Programming or scripting experience in Python, R, or VBA to support automation of analysis workflows.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure or progress toward licensure.
• Knowledge of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code requirements.
• Familiarity with EPRI materials and analytical programs.
• Participation in ASME Code Committees or related industry technical groups.
• Awareness of EPRI materials programs such as CSEF, MRP, and BWRVIP.

Typical Projects and Deliverables

• Lead technical tasks as part of multidisciplinary project teams (typically 1–3 engineers), deliver complete report sections, and represent SI in client technical meetings.
• Independently develop FEA models, perform sensitivity studies, and provide actionable engineering recommendations supporting inspection planning, repair strategies, and design modifications.

Export Control Notice

Certain positions at SIA may require access to information and technology which is subject to Export Administration Regulations 15 CFR 730‑774, including those of the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 10 CFR 810 and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 CFR Part 110. Hiring decisions for such positions must comply with these regulations and may result in SIA limiting its consideration of foreign nationals who are citizens of countries that are not on the DOE’s Generally Authorized Destinations List: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-III/part-810/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Part%20810.

Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Candidate information may be verified during the hiring process. Inaccurate, deceptive, or mass-generated applications may be disqualified from consideration.