Piping Stress Analysis Engineer

The Piping Stress Engineer is responsible for the performance of detailed static and dynamic analysis of piping systems to ensure their mechanical integrity, safe operation, and compliance with all relevant industry codes, standards, and client specifications. This includes evaluating systems under various operating and environmental conditions and ensuring seamless integration with other engineering disciplines.

Key responsibilities

1. Design and Analysis

• Static Analysis: Perform comprehensive stress analysis for sustained, thermal expansion, and pressure loads on critical and non-critical piping systems.
• Dynamic Analysis: Conduct advanced dynamic analyses, including:
  • Seismic analysis
  • Wind load analysis
  • Slug flow analysis
  • Fluid transient analysis (water hammer)
  • Acoustic-induced vibration (AIV) and flow-induced vibration (FIV) checks
  • Fatigue analysis

• Complex Systems: Model and analyze complex systems, including those connected to critical equipment such as turbines, compressors, pumps, reactors, and pressure vessels.

• Specialized Analysis: Conduct specialized analyses for systems such as jacketed, buried, and cryogenic piping.

• Offshore-Specific Analysis: Perform specialized analysis for offshore facilities (e.g., FPSO topsides, platforms), including studies on:
  • Accelerations due to wave and wind conditions
  • Structural deflections
  • Transit and towing conditions

2. Support and Load Design

• Support Selection: Design and select standard and special piping support components, including spring hangers, snubbers, expansion joints, and guides.

• Load Communication: Issue accurate load data (e.g., thermal, wind, seismic) to civil and structural engineering teams for the design of foundations, pipe racks, and equipment.

• Reinforcement Evaluation: Perform reinforcement evaluations at pipe supports, branch connections, and trunnions.

3. Documentation and Reporting

• Design Basis: Prepare project-specific piping stress specifications and design basis documents.

• Deliverables: Issue a stress critical line list, marked-up isometrics showing stress-related requirements, and detailed stress analysis reports for client approval.

• Technical Requisitions: Prepare technical requisitions and datasheets for the procurement of specialty piping items.

4. Quality and Compliance

• Code Compliance: Ensure all analysis and design activities comply strictly with international codes and standards such as ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, API, and relevant client specifications.

• Technical Reviews: Participate in project review meetings, including 3D model reviews, to address and resolve piping-related issues.

• Vendor Management: Review and approve vendor documentation and drawings for equipment and specialty items to confirm compliance with stress analysis requirements.

5. Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Collaboration: Actively coordinate with other engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Process, Structural) to ensure all interfaces are managed and loads are correctly communicated.
• Troubleshooting: Provide technical support and guidance to construction, commissioning, and operations teams to resolve field issues.
• Procurement Support: Collaborate with the procurement team by performing technical bid evaluations of vendor offers for piping supports and specialty items.

Required qualifications and skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. A Master's degree is a plus. Certification in use of CAESAR-II software is an advantage
• Experience: Minimum relevant experience of 8-12 years with substantial experience in piping stress analysis for the Oil & Gas industry, including onshore and offshore projects.
• Software Proficiency:
  • Expertise in CAESAR II.
  • Experience with other piping stress software like AutoPIPE or ROHR2 is a plus.
  • Familiarity with 3D model review tools such as Navisworks.
• Code Knowledge: In-depth understanding of ASME B31 series, API standards (e.g., API 610 for pumps), and other relevant industry specifications.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong grasp of engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, materials science, and fluid dynamics.
  • Knowledge of WRC 107/297 for nozzle flexibility and flange leakage analysis.
• Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and manage project schedules.

Preferred attributes

• Experience with specific plant types (e.g., Refinery, LNG, FPSO, petrochemical complexes).
• A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or equivalent certification.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Site or fabrication yard experience.

Leadership experience and mentoring of junior engineers