Sr. Pipeline Stress Engineer

NV5, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NV5, Inc. is seeking a Senior Pipeline Stress Engineer to lead advanced pipe stress analyses for aboveground natural gas systems, develop models in CAESAR II, and ensure compliance with codes and standards.

The role requires a BS in engineering, a PE license, and 10+ years of experience in pipeline or piping projects; this position offers challenging projects, cross-disciplinary coordination, and opportunities for professional advancement in California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
• Active CA Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• PE licensure in additional states preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant pipeline or piping engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing pipe stress analysis for natural gas facilities and pipeline infrastructure.
• Direct experience supporting engineering design and analysis of: Facility piping systems; Meter Set Assemblies (MSAs); Regulator stations; Pipeline bridge crossings; Blowoff assemblies; Compressor or storage facility piping; Gas transmission & distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with utility, gas transmission, or energy infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with CAESAR II pipe stress modeling software required.
• Strong understanding of piping flexibility and stress analysis principles.
• Experience interpreting and applying applicable pipeline and piping design codes and standards.
• Experience preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, and design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced pipe stress analyses for aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems.
• Develop and analyze piping models using CAESAR II software.
• Evaluate piping systems for thermal, pressure, seismic, wind, operational, settlement, and environmental loading conditions.
• Assess piping flexibility, support requirements, expansion stresses, and equipment nozzle loads.
• Prepare engineering calculations, technical evaluations, and design recommendations.
• Support the design of safe, reliable, and code‑compliant gas transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical reviews of piping layouts, isometrics, and construction drawings.
• Identify and recommend cost‑effective design improvements while maintaining system integrity and safety.
• Support interdisciplinary coordination with civil, structural, mechanical, and pipeline engineering teams.
• Participate in design reviews, hazard assessments, and constructability evaluations.
• Provide technical support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases as required.

Skills

Pipe stress analysis

CAESAR II

Piping design and analysis

Engineering calculations

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering

Tools

CAESAR II

Job description

Overview

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Pipeline Stress Engineer to support the engineering, analysis, and design of aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems. The successful candidate will serve as a technical subject matter expert responsible for performing complex pipe stress analyses, evaluating piping system performance under various loading conditions, and ensuring compliance with applicable industry codes and standards.

This position requires hands‑on engineering expertise and direct involvement in analysis, calculations, design development, and technical decision‑making. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to project management, supervision, or administrative oversight without demonstrated technical execution will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform advanced pipe stress analyses for aboveground natural gas and auxiliary piping systems.
• Develop and analyze piping models using CAESAR II software.
• Evaluate piping systems for thermal, pressure, seismic, wind, operational, settlement, and environmental loading conditions.
• Assess piping flexibility, support requirements, expansion stresses, and equipment nozzle loads.
• Prepare engineering calculations, technical evaluations, and design recommendations.
• Support the design of safe, reliable, and code‑compliant gas transmission, distribution, and storage infrastructure.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical reviews of piping layouts, isometrics, and construction drawings.
• Identify and recommend cost‑effective design improvements while maintaining system integrity and safety.
• Support interdisciplinary coordination with civil, structural, mechanical, and pipeline engineering teams.
• Participate in design reviews, hazard assessments, and constructability evaluations.
• Provide technical support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline.
• Active CA Professional Engineer (PE) license required. PE licensure in additional states preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant pipeline or piping engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing pipe stress analysis for natural gas facilities and pipeline infrastructure.
• Direct experience supporting engineering design and analysis of:
  • Facility piping systems
  • Meter Set Assemblies (MSAs)
  • Regulator stations
  • Pipeline bridge crossings
  • Blowoff assemblies
  • Compressor or storage facility piping
  • Gas transmission & distribution infrastructure
• Experience with utility, gas transmission, or energy infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with CAESAR II pipe stress modeling software required.
• Strong understanding of piping flexibility and stress analysis principles.
• Experience interpreting and applying applicable pipeline and piping design codes and standards.
• Experience preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, and design documentation.

The pay range for this California position is $130,000 - $160,000.00 annually however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : NV5 Inc does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than passive & active candidates and employee referrals. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to NV5 or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by NV5's internal Talent Acquisition team seeking 3rd party sourcing assistance. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement and given permission to represent NV5 to candidates on a particular search, NV5 will not owe any referral or other fees with respect to the unsolicited submission.