Senior Vibration Specialist

Puffer-Sweiven; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Puffer-Sweiven seeks an experienced engineer to perform advanced diagnostics on rotating machinery, using vibration spectrum, waveform, phase, and ODS analyses. You will validate measurement setups, optimize routing, sensors, and mounting, and translate findings into actionable, risk-ranked recommendations.

Collaborating with reliability and operations teams, you will lead special projects like PdM program design, alarm strategy optimization, and integration of complementary technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in mechanical/related field and 5+ years in vibration analysis and rotating machinery diagnostics.
• Experience with ODS, ultrasound, and oil analysis program management.
• Experience with multi-channel analyzers and diagnostics tools.
• Familiarity with condition monitoring platforms (AMS, Bently Nevada).
• Remote and wireless system configuration basic commissioning.
• Precision balancing and shaft alignment skills.
• RCFA support and formal machinery health reporting; Category III vibration analyst certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced diagnostics using vibration spectrum, time waveform, phase, and ODS.
• Validate measurement setups and optimize routing, sensors, and mounting.
• Translate findings into risk-ranked recommendations for action.
• Collaborate with reliability, maintenance, and operations teams on corrective actions.
• Lead PdM program design and alarm strategy optimization.
• Deliver senior-level diagnostic reports with ROI justification.

Skills

Vibration analysis

Rotating machinery diagnostics

RCFA support

Technical mentorship

Workshop facilitation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AMS 2140

AMS 2600

AMS Machine Works

Bently Nevada System 1

AMS Machinery Manager

Job description

Job duties

Perform advanced rotating machinery diagnostics using vibration spectrum, time waveform analysis, phase, orbit plots, and operational deflection shapes (ODS)/motion amplification. Validate and optimize measurement setups such as Fmax, resolution lines, averaging, windowing, filters, route design, sensor selection, and mounting. Translate findings into practical, risk-ranked recommendations. Collaborate with reliability, maintenance, and operations teams to plan corrective actions including alignment, balancing, bearing replacement, rotor repair, and foundation fixes. Lead special projects such as PdM program design, alarm strategy optimization, reciprocating compressor and turbomachinery analysis, and integration of complementary technologies including oil analysis, infrared thermography, ultrasound, process data. Develop and maintain vibration analysis databases, hierarchies, and machine templates. Support Key Performance Indicators (KPI) development and performance reviews for customer programs including defect detection rate, Mean Time Between Failures and Mean Time Between Repairs (MTBF/MTBR) improvement and avoided cost. Serve as a technical mentor for Machine Health Specialists on advanced diagnostics and best practices. Conduct workshops and hands-on training sessions for vibration analysis and Product Data Management technologies. Deliver senior-level diagnostic reports with root cause analysis, risk assessment, and Return on Investment (ROI) justification. Present findings and recommendations to customer stakeholders and executives; influence corrective actions and capital planning. Must be available to work on projects at various, unanticipated sites throughout the United States and internationally (20%).

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, and 5 years of experience in rotating machinery diagnostics and vibration analysis. Experience must include:

• 1. Operational Deflective Shape (ODS) style analysis, ultrasound, and oil analysis program management to manage and building programs;
• 2. Multi-channel analyzers including AMS 2140 and AMS 2600 beyond basic route collection, including diagnostics and troubleshooting;
• 3. Utilizing Turbomachinery condition monitoring platforms including AMS Machine Works and Bently Nevada System 1 to set up, interpret, and use;
• 4. Remote and wireless condition monitoring system configuration and basic commissioning;
• 5. Precision field balancing and shaft alignment performed independently using AMS Machinery Manager;
• 6. Supporting Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) efforts and producing formal machinery health assessments and technical reports; and
• 7. Must have Vibration Analyst Category III certification.

Jobsite

Stafford, TX

Equal Opportunity Employer

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