RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Thermal Fluid Systems Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is seeking a mechanical/controls engineer to model and control complex thermal-fluid systems for oil, gas, and power applications. You will develop and validate simulations, optimize piping designs, and implement PID control strategies across refrigeration and power generation cycles.

The role requires a degree in engineering with 2+ years of experience in thermal-fluid modeling and control, and familiarity with HYSYS, NPSS, or Fluent software.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in a relevant engineering field with related work experience.
• Graduate degree may be considered in lieu of some work experience.
• Experience modeling thermal fluid systems and developing control algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop models for fluid thermal systems using 1D finite volume principles with HYSYS/NPSS/Fluent.
• Develop and validate simulations for control strategies of fluid thermal systems.
• Design/improve piping system layouts based on model feedback and codes.
• Run cycle analysis and optimize refrigeration, power, and refinery cycles.
• Design and implement PID control schemes for single and multiple variables.

Skills

Thermal-fluid modeling

Control systems engineering

1D finite volume methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical or related field

Electrical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Control Systems Engineering

Computer Engineering

Tools

HYSYS

NPSS

Fluent

Job description

Who We Are:

We develop mechanical solutions for multiple industries. From power utilities to the oil and gas industry, we are proud to improve efficiency and productivity through expertise in engineering dynamics, structures, materials, and fluids systems.

Objectives of this Role:

Enable modeling and control of complex thermal fluid systems comprising control valves, piping, machinery, heat exchangers, and other various fluid/gas components in oil and gas and power generation applications.Work with a team to incorporate advanced control and monitoring strategies into test facilities and piping systems that are delivered to the client.Enable fast and efficient commissioning of complex power generation systems and components from kW to MW scale.Assist to diagnose and troubleshoot vendor piping systems and control issues.Write reports and present technical data to clients and industry peers.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

Develop models for fluid thermal systems using 1D finite volume of finite element principles. This may include the use of off the shelf software such as Hysys, NPSS, or fluent.Develop and validate simulations for control strategies for fluid thermal systems using 1D finite volume of finite element principles. This may include the use of off the shelf software such as Hysys, NPSS, or fluent.Develop improved or optimized piping system designs/improvements for existing or planned systems based off of model feedback while incorporating applicable design codes such as B31.3, B31.1, ASME BPVC, and Hazardous classification zones.Run cycle analysis and optimize cycles for refrigeration, power generation, and refinery application.Design and implement process control PID's into systems to control single and multiple variables.

Requirements:

Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering or directly related engineering degree field with relevant work experience. Graduate degree may be considered in lieu of some work experience.2+ years: Thermal fluid system modeling and control background.Graduate experience in developing model and control algorithms for thermal fluid piping systems is preferred.Off the shelf software such as Hysys, NPSS, or fluent or similar or interest in related software.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. Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.

For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

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