Mechanical Engineer - Steam Systems

Protingent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer skilled in steam systems for a direct-hire role in Austin, TX. You will own the steam-cycle mechanical design from heat balance to detailed engineering, including sizing, piping layouts, and equipment specifications, interfacing with turbine OEMs.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of steam system experience, familiarity with ASME B31.1/B31.3 and BPVC, and strong capability to produce deliverables such as P&IDs, datasheets, and isometrics.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in steam systems design.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or higher.
• Experience with ASME B31.1 and/or B31.3, BPVC sections.
• Sizing, layout, and specification of high-energy steam and feedwater piping.
• Hands-on lab/factory work experience considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own steam-cycle mechanical design from heat balance through detailed engineering.
• Perform pipe stress and water hammer analyses and two-phase flow studies.
• Develop and review P&IDs, PFDs, datasheets, isometrics, and design basis documents.
• Lead interface with turbine OEM on steam admission conditions and extraction points.
• Participate in design reviews, vendor qualification, factory acceptance tests, commissioning and root-cause analysis.

Skills

Steam systems

Thermodynamics

Two-phase flow

ASME codes

Piping design

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer - Steam Systems

Protingent Staffing has an exciting FTE Mechanical Engineer - Steam Systems opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will own steam-cycle mechanical design from heat balance through detailed engineering, including system sizing, piping layouts, equipment specification, and integration with the turbine island.
• They will perform pipe stress and flexibility analysis (per ASME B31.1 or B31.3 as applicable), water hammer and two-phase flow evaluations, and steam purity/chemistry compatibility studies.
• They will develop and review P&IDs, PFDs, equipment datasheets, isometrics, and design basis documents, and will specify major components including main steam stop and control valves, isolation valves, safety/relief valves, steam traps, separators, desuperheaters, condensers, feedwater heaters, deaerators, and associated piping and supports.
• They will lead the technical interface with the turbine OEM on steam admission conditions, extraction points, exhaust hood design, sealing steam, gland systems, and lube/control oil interfaces.
• They will participate in design reviews, vendor qualification, factory acceptance testing, construction support, commissioning, performance testing (per ASME PTC 6 and related codes), and root-cause analysis of in-service issues.

Job Qualifications

10+ years of experience preferred; minimum of 4 years with relevant hands-on experience required. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or greater.

• Demonstrated experience designing steam systems for utility, industrial, marine, or nuclear steam turbine generators, including hands-on responsibility for sizing, layout, and specification of high-energy steam and feedwater piping and components.
• Experience with applicable codes and standards: ASME B31.1 (Power Piping) and/or B31.3 (Process Piping), ASME BPVC Sections I, II, V, VIII, and IX, ASME OM (where applicable), ASME PTC 6 and PTC 46 for performance testing, Relevant IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and TEMA standards.
• Solid grounding in steam-cycle thermodynamics, two-phase flow, water hammer, NPSH and cavitation, steam purity and cycle chemistry (EPRI guidelines), and erosion/corrosion (FAC) considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to produce engineering deliverables (calculations, specifications, design basis documents) that withstand independent technical review and regulatory audit.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on lab and factory environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to perform hands-on work including assembly, plumbing, wiring, and troubleshooting.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary Range: $125K - $200K (depending on experience and final leveling)
• Location: Austin, TX
• Export control regulations require candidates to be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, or of a protected person status.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.