- This chief engineer–level role will guide a multidisciplinary team (10+) across the full lifecycle—from concept through fabrication and certification—on complex, multi-million dollar programs.
- Offers a rare opportunity to combine deep technical authority, hands-on engineering, work closely with clients, fabrication teams, and regulatory bodies to deliver high consequence hardware.
- Serve as the technical authority for pressure vessel systems, ensuring designs meet requirements for quality, performance, and certifiability.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements (e.g., ASME BPVC, PVHO, NAVSEA P-9290).
- Provide expert guidance on fabrication processes, inspection methods, and material selection for demanding marine environments.
- Approve and oversee technical documentation including drawings, material specifications, analysis reports, and fabrication plans.
- Contribute to business development efforts through client engagement, technical presentations, and concept development.
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PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF ENGINEER
Marine Structures & Pressure Vessels
Job Code: 18-01606
Who we are:
The Marine Structures & Engineering Section delivers R&D engineering services for commercial and government clients, specializing in the design, analysis, fabrication, and commissioning of pressure vessels.
Objectives Of This Role:
Daily/Monthly Responsibilities:
- Interface with project managers and team members to identify, plan, and execute project objectives. Provide input and co-design efforts for structures, mechanisms, and pressure chambers.
- Conduct and lead design reviews, ensuring engineering rigor and alignment with requirements and standards.
- Regularly communicate status and assist project management in prioritizing activities.
- Execute quality program objectives to meet internal, project-specific, and/or industry standards. This may include generation of new or editing of existing documentation.
- Ensure proper change management is followed through monitoring of activities of various teams or systems. Communicate changes regularly with engineering staff and project management.
Education/Experience:
- Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture Engineering, Ocean Engineering or related engineering degree with directly related experience.
- 15+ years: Expertise in design, analysis, and fabrication of pressure vessel or elements for marine/sub-surface structural systems in demanding environments.
- 5+ years: Leadership and supervisory experience including training of individuals.
- Experience in finite element analysis for complex or combined pressure loading scenarios, additional mechanism design experience preferred.
- Proficiency in fabrication and inspection methods for high-strength steels, advanced metallic alloys, and non-metallics for marine environments.
- P.E. preferred.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Special Considerations:
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 Location:
San Antonio, Texas
CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES
+1 210 522 2223
Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238-5166