PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF ENGINEER - Marine Structures & Pressure Vessels

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in San Antonio is seeking a Chief Engineer to guide a multidisciplinary team on complex projects. This role requires expertise in the design and fabrication of pressure vessels, with a focus on compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of relevant experience and strong leadership skills. An engineering degree and P.E. certification are preferred. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible for government security clearance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in design, analysis, and fabrication of pressure vessels.
• 5+ years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proactive in conducting design reviews and ensuring compliance with standards.

Responsibilities

• Guide a multidisciplinary team across the full lifecycle of projects.
• Serve as the technical authority for pressure vessel systems.
• Conduct quality program objectives and ensure compliance.

Skills

Expertise in design of pressure vessels

Leadership and supervisory experience

Finite element analysis

Fabrication and inspection methods

Education

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering

P.E. preferred

Job description

Overview

The Marine Structures & Engineering Section delivers R&D engineering services for commercial and government clients, specializing in the design, analysis, fabrication, and commissioning of pressure vessels.

Objectives of this Role

• This chief engineer–level role will guide a multidisciplinary team (10+) across the full lifecycle—from concept through fabrication and certification—on complex, multi-million dollar programs.
• Offers a rare opportunity to combine deep technical authority, hands-on engineering, work closely with clients, fabrication teams, and regulatory bodies to deliver high consequence hardware.
• Serve as the technical authority for pressure vessel systems, ensuring designs meet requirements for quality, performance, and certifiability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements (e.g., ASME BPVC, PVHO, NAVSEA P-9290).
• Provide expert guidance on fabrication processes, inspection methods, and material selection for demanding marine environments.
• Approve and oversee technical documentation including drawings, material specifications, analysis reports, and fabrication plans.
• Contribute to business development efforts through client engagement, technical presentations, and concept development.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Interface with project managers and team members to identify, plan, and execute project objectives. Provide input and co-design efforts for structures, mechanisms, and pressure chambers.
• Conduct and lead design reviews, ensuring engineering rigor and alignment with requirements and standards.
• Regularly communicate status and assist project management in prioritizing activities.
• Execute quality program objectives to meet internal, project-specific, and/or industry standards. This may include generation of new or editing of existing documentation.
• Ensure proper change management is followed through monitoring of activities of various teams or systems. Communicate changes regularly with engineering staff and project management.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture Engineering, Ocean Engineering or related engineering degree with directly related experience.
• 15+ years: Expertise in design, analysis, and fabrication of pressure vessel or elements for marine/sub-surface structural systems in demanding environments.
• 5+ years: Leadership and supervisory experience including training of individuals.
• Experience in finite element analysis for complex or combined pressure loading scenarios, additional mechanism design experience preferred.
• Proficiency in fabrication and inspection methods for high-strength steels, advanced metallic alloys, and non-metallics for marine environments.
• P.E. preferred.
• A valid/clear driver\'s license is required.

Special Requirements

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas