RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Subsea Stress & Fatigue Analysis at 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