RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Subsea Stress & Fatigue Analysis
Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:

The Marine Structures & Engineering Section provides engineering R&D services for commercial and government customers. We design, analyze, fabricate, and commission pressure vessels of various types for land-based, subsea, manned, and unmanned purposes.

Objectives of this Role:

• Perform stress analysis of existing or new construction items using finite element analysis methods (primarily with ANSYS software, linear elastic, non-linear, thermal, etc.).
• Willingness to learn or contribute to fatigue and fracture mechanics studies as well.
• Provide input and present results for customer centric preliminary and critical design reviews.
• Identify types and scope of analysis needed to meet project requirements as defined by applicable design codes, client, and project manager. Generate internal and/or external budgets and schedules for analysis efforts.
• Provide design support using Creo(Pro-E) and/or SolidWorks, working knowledge of welding methods and joint geometries, pressure-related loading/reactions of stiffened structures, and identification/mitigation of fatigue critical locations.
• Generate clear, concise reports, presentations, and other supporting documentation of analysis with concluding recommendations.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Perform and interpret FEA results for design recommendations, compliance with design standards, and/or assess component Fitness for Service.
• Use engineering software to prepare models for finite element analysis.
• Research applicable codes, standards, customer driven specifications, and/or internal quality requirements to ensure compliance.
• Generate supporting documentation.
• Interface with project managers and team members to identify, plan, and execute project objectives.
• Regularly communicate status, budget, and schedule of ongoing activities.
• Execute quality program objectives both internal and project-specific, that may include drawing reviews, ECO execution/revision processes, or other documentation review and retention requirements.
• Provide input or generate test plans to verify stress/strain analysis during physical testing (i.e. identify strain gage locations, generate predictions, and provide instructions to test engineer).

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Structural Engineering, or directly related engineering degree with related experience.
• 2 - 8 years: Design of mechanical and/or pressure related systems; Design/Analysis experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2 and 3.
• 2 - 8 years: Use of finite element software with advanced knowledge of load/constraint application and meshing for geometry.
• Use of either Creo(Pro-E) and/or SolidWorks and willingness to learn either if not already proficient. ANSYS or ability to learn ANSYS if needed. Experience/training using fatigue/fracture software such as NASGRO or other commercial fitness-for-service software a plus.
• Knowledge or interest in Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy (PVHO-1), ABS Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems, and Hyperbaric Facilities, and/or DNV-GL Rules for Classification of Ships, or equivalent Naval specifications.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

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/Affirmative Action Employer
Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/Veteran
Committed to Diversity in the Workplace

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