Fitness For Service - FEA Engineer | 15+ Years

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 115,650 - 192,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans and HSAs

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an analytical yet practical FEA Engineer in Houston with 15+ years of experience. The role focuses on safety-critical Fitness For Service assessments of pressure vessels, piping, and related equipment.

You will perform nonlinear FEA, lead evaluations, and work directly with clients and contractors to inform run/repair decisions. You will mentor staff, contribute to practice development, and collaborate across teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in petrochemical, refining, power generation, upstream, midstream, mining, or similar heavy industrial sectors.
• Expertise in API 579 / ASME FFS-1 Level 3 assessment; fracture mechanics and damage mechanism analysis.
• Experience with nonlinear finite element analysis for steel, concrete, and other construction materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in complex, nonlinear analysis and client deliverables; lead fieldwork and report preparation.
• Apply a principles-first approach to practical solutions using codes, standards, and industry practices.
• Review colleagues’ work and seal project documents as Engineer of Record where appropriate.
• Manage projects: scope, budget, timelines, client development, and team coordination.

Skills

Nonlinear FEA

Fracture mechanics

Fatigue analysis

API 579 / ASME FFS-1

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/civil/structural/mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD (nice-to-have)

Tools

ABAQUS

Job description

Overview

WJE Houston is seeking an analytical yet practical FEA Engineer with 15+ years of experience specializing in safety-critical Fitness For Service (FFS) assessments of pressure vessels, piping, and other process-related equipment. This doer-manager role is part of WJE's Metallurgy & Applied Mechanics practice. You will lead evaluations of fracture, fatigue, corrosion and other damage mechanisms for process equipment; perform complex, nonlinear finite element analyses (FEA) to inform recommendations and stakeholder (run-repair) decision-making; and specify repair designs, alterations, and/or replacement strategies. As a project manager, you will work directly with clients, contractors, and other consultants from day one. As an employee-owner, you will have autonomy to shape your career while mentoring the next generation of engineers. You will be supported by a stable organization with leading benefits, resources, collaboration, and access to WJE’s laboratory and testing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Technical leadership in complex, nonlinear analysis, hands-on fieldwork, and preparation of technically excellent client deliverables, including written reports.
• Apply a principles-first approach to develop practical solutions using a deep understanding of codes, standards, and historical industry practices.
• Provide high-quality technical reviews of work completed by others and seal project documents as the Engineer of Record, where appropriate.
• Project management: client development, project scoping, assembling and managing project teams, maintaining schedules and budgets, and managing expectations and deliverables.
• Contribute to practice development and company-wide objectives; foster client relationships and collaborate on knowledge-sharing and training initiatives; participate in industry organizations and technical committees.
• Mentor colleagues and exemplify WJE’s culture of knowledge sharing for technical topics and career development.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain; Bachelor’s degree or higher in aerospace, civil/structural, mechanical engineering, or related field; master’s or PhD a plus.
• Minimum fifteen years of relevant industry experience in petrochemical, refining, power generation, upstream, midstream, mining, or other heavy industrial markets with demonstrated expertise in: API 579 / ASME FFS-1 Level 3 assessment; fracture mechanics, fatigue, and damage mechanism assessment; nonlinear FEA for steel, concrete, and other construction materials (ABAQUS preferred).
• Design, repairs/alterations, and reliability of fixed equipment, pressure vessels, and piping.
• Self-starter with ability to contribute to growth of an expanding consulting practice using a principles-first problem-solving approach.
• Excellent technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• *Note: Minimum years of experience may be flexible for candidates who demonstrate performing at or above the expected level.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel and attend meetings at various office, field, and plant sites; perform inspections of process equipment and other structures, both visually and with instruments.
• Ability to work safely at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous locations, including outdoors with temperature extremes.
• Ability to use ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment; lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection and other PPE; ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to obtain TWIC and travel throughout the United States without restrictions.

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists with a track record of solving significant problems in the built world. We offer a robust total compensation package including base salary, incentive pay, and comprehensive benefits. Our environment emphasizes trust, personal responsibility, open communication, continuous learning, mentoring, and collaboration. We seek highly talented individuals who are committed to excellence and eager to contribute to a growing practice.

Base salary ranges from $115,650 to $192,750, with variable compensation based on performance. Health plans (including HSA and PPO options), 401(k) matching, paid time off, educational assistance, and professional development are components of our total rewards package. Learn more at www.wje.com/careers. WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with Fair Chance Ordinances. Founded in 1956, WJE is an interdisciplinary firm committed to helping clients solve and repair problems in the built world.