Senior Mechanical Engineer Heat Transfer – HRSG Specialist - Houston, TX

S&B; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedules

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive compensation

Job summary

S&B is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead HRSG design across phases of heat transfer equipment projects. The role requires independent judgment and expert knowledge in HRSGs, boilers, and power-plant systems.

You will interact with clients, review vendor bids, and guide multi-disciplinary teams in a collaborative, safety-focused environment. The ideal candidate holds a PE license with 12+ years in mechanical design, strong ASME/API familiarity, and hands-on experience with HRSG

Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience in mechanical design or related functional area.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license; reciprocal licensing in other states may be required.
• Experience with HRSG systems and boilers in power generation projects.
• Strong knowledge of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, TEMA, API recommended practices.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools and design software such as HYSYS/ASPEN; familiarity with related tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and thermal design of HRSGs, heat exchangers and pressure equipment.
• Interface with clients on technical matters and coordinate across disciplines.
• Conduct field trips to gather operating data and verify equipment information.
• Prepare data sheets, equipment specifications, and requisitions for approved equipment.
• Evaluate vendor bids and ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Develop and optimize design improvements for reliability and maintainability.

Skills

Professional Engineer (PE) licensed

HRSG experience

ASME Code knowledge

Boilers experience

Combined cycle knowledge

Microsoft Office

API standards familiarity

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

HTRI

Compress

PVElite

CodeCalc

AutoCAD

ASPEN EDR

Job description

OVERVIEW

Independently performs mechanical design activities for all phases of heat transfer equipment design, with a specific emphasis on Heat Recovery Steam Generators, for a project of moderate size and complexity (e.g., continuing services project involving a single engineering discipline). Must be fully competent in performing all conventional aspects of mechanical design and application of independent judgment for the evaluation, selection and substantial adaptation of standard design methods and procedures. Assignments have clear and specific objectives and may require the investigation of several variables.

OVERVIEW

Independently performs mechanical design activities for all phases of heat transfer equipment design, with a specific emphasis on Heat Recovery Steam Generators, for a project of moderate size and complexity (e.g., continuing services project involving a single engineering discipline). Must be fully competent in performing all conventional aspects of mechanical design and application of independent judgment for the evaluation, selection and substantial adaptation of standard design methods and procedures. Assignments have clear and specific objectives and may require the investigation of several variables.

ABOUT S&B

S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we have successfully undertaken diverse projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. Our proven track record speaks for itself, as we consistently deliver outstanding results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Moreover, our company culture is unparalleled, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. At S&B, we understand the value of our talented team, and we ensure they are rewarded accordingly. We offer a competitive compensation package, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain the best professionals in the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical guidance for design personnel. Is responsible for coordinating and reviewing progress of group activities. Assists in the performance evaluation of staff and review of candidates for hiring personnel.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent engineering degree) from an ABET accredited program

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience in mechanical design or related functional area (or equivalent working knowledge/experience). This includes considerable experience in utilizing various computer software packages and automated engineering and design equipment.

• Requires an active Professional Engineer (PE) License. May require the ability to obtain reciprocal Professional Licensing in additional states (preferred)


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite


• Experience with HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generators) systems


• Experience with duct burners, SCR/CO catalyst systems, and emissions controls


• Experience with boilers


• Experience with combined cycle power plants


• Experience with conversions, modifications, and new HRSG projects


• Demonstrated proficiency with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Sections I, VIII, II, V, IX), TEMA Standards, ASME B31.1/B31.3, and applicable API Recommended Practices.


• General knowledge of process simulation tools such as HYSYS and ASPEN Plus; ability to interpret outputs but not required to perform simulations.


• Preferred experience with engineering and design tools such as HTRI, Compress, PVElite, CodeCalc, AutoCAD, ASPEN EDR.


• Knowledge of API standards such as API 560, API 535, API RP 556, and API 537 is beneficial


• Experience with other types of fired equipment such as fired heaters, waste heat boilers, thermal oxidizers, and flares is beneficial

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.


• Capable of presenting technical data to peers, stakeholders, and design review teams in both verbal and written formats.


• Skilled at interpreting and applying technical data, including charts, graphs, design codes, and engineering theories.


• Proficient in leading technical meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring alignment on engineering deliverables and action items.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the mechanical and thermal design of HRSGs, heat exchangers, and related pressure equipment, including preparation and review of engineering calculations, design documentation, and equipment layouts.


• Serve as the primary mechanical engineering interface with clients on technical matters.


• Conducts field trips to existing plants to gather operating data and equipment information.


• Develops and reviews data to help prepare equipment specifications, inquiry and purchase requisitions for approval.


• Evaluates vendors' bids and drawings to assure compliance with specifications for equipment.


• Contribute to the development of equipment lists by providing detailed specifications for heat transfer equipment.


• Prepare equipment data sheets and thermal design specifications.


• Develop and evaluate thermal and mechanical design improvements to optimize equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.


• Participate in the review and development of design guides, specifications, and project documentation.


• Read and interpret relevant engineering standards and codes, including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, TEMA, and applicable API Recommended Practices


• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of welding procedures, material selection, and nondestructive examination (NDE) methods.


• Communicates equipment design to clients and other design disciplines.


• Participates in reviews of PFD's and P&ID's.

Travel requirements – less than 10% occasional travel

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, managers, designers and engineers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasionally may conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site. This requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Lifting to 25 pounds may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally may visit or be temporarily assigned to work in an operating plant or at a construction site. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.