Senior Mechanical Field Engineer

Description

Position Description:

The Rotating Equipment, Vibration, Dynamics Inspection (REVDi) is in search of a highly motivated individual with a strong mechanical engineering background, eager to develop expertise in fixed equipment and rotating machinery. The primary role of this role will be the execution of piping vibration severity assessments in operating client refineries. Field work can include 1 large refinery to 4 smaller refineries and will have up to 6 direct reports consisting of junior engineers and inspectors who will support this role by performing the surveys and basic calculation to evaluate the severity of vibration. The successful candidate must follow outlined work procedures for performing field surveys and severity assessments and maintain good working relationship with the client and Equity employees including subject matter experts (SMEs) that will be available for mentorship and technical oversight.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about travel and gaining hands-on experience in equipment and plant operations. They are self-motivated, capable of independently and/or under the guidance of senior engineers. This role requires strong foundational knowledge in stress analysis, strength-of-materials, and vibration analysis. A proactive approach to problem-solving and adaptability to new challenges are essential qualities.

Travel Requirements:

This position involves either approximately 75% travel or temporary relocation to the following US locations. The tentative work schedule is 15-days on, 6-days off, however revised schedules may be permitted for engineers willing to relocate. Following the first year of assignment, requests for reassignment to a specific site will be considered.

1. Houston, TX

2. El Paso, TX

3. Garyville, LA

4. Los Angeles, CA

5. Martinez, CA

6. Anacortes, WA

7. Cleveland, OH

8. Detroit, MI

9. Catlettsburg, KY

10. Kenai, AK

11. Dickinson, ND or Mandan, ND

12. Salt Lake City, UT

13. St. Paul, MN

14. Robinson, IL

Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensure results from visual surveys and calculations performed on vibration data collected by direct reports are accurate and high quality. In addition to quality control and assurance oversight, responsibilities will include developing remediation options for problematic piping where vibration is exceeding limits.
• Facilitate field work related support tasks such as: accessibility (scaffolding, man-lift, etc.), safety equipment, equipment maintenance, and will serve as the primary on-site point of contact for the team.
• Maintaining good relationships and leveraging SMEs at the Equity home office. Resolve technical questions brought up by the field team under their supervision and escalate as required to other REVD engineers for resolution.
• Interface with REVD Project Manager on status updates and coordination for upcoming survey sites.
• Provide support for REVDi business development opportunities in respective region.
• Apply knowledge of engineering principles to solve problems in stress analysis, strength-of-materials, and vibration analysis.
• Direct the work of field engineer, inspectors, and subcontractors during vibration field assessments.
• Perform in-field vibration testing and analysis of equipment. This includes use of vibration sensors, data collection systems and signal processing.
• Identify and promote improvements to vibration survey hardware, software, or processes to improve efficiency.
• Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams to address issues related to rotating equipment, piping, pressure vessels, and fired heaters.
• Has an Interest in developing skills in:
  • Fundamental engineering calculations of stress and strain.
  • Piping vibration analysis (natural frequency assessments, dynamic analysis).
  • Piping stress analysis (B31 compliance assessments, dynamic assessments).
  • ASME Section VIII, Division 1 and 2, and B31 series design calculations.
• Assist with:
  • Troubleshooting and optimizing pump and compressor performance.
  • Rotating equipment diagnostics (transient vibration data collection and analysis, fault detection).
  • Supporting capital projects (equipment specification, shop inspection, performance testing, installation, startup, and commissioning).
  • Develop best practices and standards under senior engineers’ guidance.
• Leverage experience in areas like vibration and signal analysis, finite element analysis, piping stress analysis, and reliability engineering.
• Provide project management, analytical, and technical review support.

Qualifications

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Experience in oil refineries or similar industrial facilities
• Experience in leadership roles with direct reports
• Experience in vibration data collection hardware and software is considered an asset or willingness to learn. This includes use of sensors, data acquisition systems and signal processing.
• Experience in quality control and assurance culture regarding inspection data is considered an asset
• Experience with piping systems and exposure to pipe stress and pipe support designs is an asset.
• Meets deadlines under pressure and conveys an appropriate sense of priority and urgency.
• Effectively manages client interactions and builds client relationships by volunteering to expedited client requests and strengthen communication.
• Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, as well as the skills and knowledge within the team. This includes seeking advice and feedback after appropriate investigation into problems.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and consistently demonstrates understanding of technical accuracy requirements and validates accuracy of work.
• Demonstrates ability to seek solutions beyond prescriptive step-by-step procedures.
• Demonstrates capability to make appropriate engineering assumptions.
• Demonstrates appropriate sense of urgency and tempo required to meet internal and external client needs.
• Ability to work as a team across range of personnel including client managers, client engineers, and internal Equity team members including inspectors.
• Demonstrates technical report writing skills.

Direction Received:

• Visual and vibration survey procedures will be provided along with an approach to performing severity assessments.
• Report templates and record keeping requirements will be provided.
• Depending on the skill level of the approved hire, guidance will be provided for the development of remediation recommendations for problematic vibration.
• Minimum on-site technical direction is provided, however this role will be directly supported by members of the parent group, REVD.
• Reports directly to the Project Manager and must collaborate with the Program Lead and other SMEs for continual improvement of this inspection program.

Communication Skills:

• Exhibits strong oral and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and precision.
• Represents the organization at conferences and client engagements.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Advanced degrees and prior professional experience are advantageous.
• Completion of piping vibration or vibration data analysis is encouraged.
• Commitment to annual continuing education.

Licensure and Certification:

• P.E. or P.Eng license not required but encouraged.
• Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., API certifications, PMP).

Business Development:

• Identify opportunities to expand services with existing clients.
• Assist senior engineers with external training initiatives.

Experience Level:

• 4 years (min)