Lead FEA Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Mechanical Equipment and FEA Specialist – Process Equipment Skill Center within Process Technology & Equipment SBU. The role focuses on the practical application of solid mechanics theory through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other calculation methods to support the mechanical design and analysis of pressure vessels, specialty process equipment, internals, and piping system components.

Specific responsibilities involve elastic and creep plastic stress analysis, thermal stress analysis, fatigue, fitness‑for‑service/remaining life, fracture mechanics, and piping vibration analysis.

Reports to Senior Chemical Engineering Manager.

Location:

Rosemont, IL – Hybrid work schedule (first 90 days 100% on‑site).

• Apply knowledge and computer modeling capabilities to develop innovative, cost‑effective solutions in designing process equipment.
• Provide leadership and develop approaches for advancing UOP’s knowledge in fluid and solid mechanics.
• Assess mechanical limitations of UOP’s process technology and target efforts to overcome barriers.
• Conduct field troubleshooting studies related to pressure vessels, reactors, specialty equipment, internals, and piping system problems.
• Complete detailed design, re‑rating, and remaining life studies of pressure vessel equipment and piping systems.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently using excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Communicate with co‑workers and customers, write reports, and make presentations.
• Represent UOP in customer meetings and vendors concerning technical matters.
• Mentor other analysts and conduct internal training seminars.
• Work on a wide variety of unique problems or applications associated with UOP’s technologies individually or as part of multidisciplinary teams.
• Determine mechanical feasibility and critical aspects essential for final design to contain the process for the desired life.
• Improve UOP’s mechanical design capabilities through user subroutines, computer tools, and technical policies/procedures.
• Enhance UOP’s intellectual property portfolio through issuance of MOIs and patents.
• Develop proficiency using fluid mechanics codes (e.g., FLUENT) and competencies associated with chemical engineering and granular solids.
• Help evaluate alternative commercial software applications.
• Represent UOP on technical committees, at conferences, and in organizations related to a technical specialty.

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (MS/PhD) with 4–5 years of relevant experience (or PhD with 2–3 years).
• Strong familiarity with FEM theory and concepts; knowledge of Boundary Element Method is a plus.
• Proficiency using solid mechanics codes such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, APDL, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of vessel, structural, and piping design codes (ASME Section VIII, AISC, ASME B31.3, UBC).
• Experience with static/dynamic analysis of pressure vessels, piping systems, and support structures (COMPRES, CAESAR, WRC
  107, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of fitness‑for‑service codes and software (API 579, PREFIS, REACT).
• Expertise in troubleshooting field equipment piping vibration problems.
• Knowledge of piping system components design (expansion joints, flanges, gaskets, valves).
• Programming knowledge for developing user subroutines (C++ and/or Python).
• CAD proficiency (Micro Station 2D/3D or equivalent).
• Experience representing UOP in customer and vendor technical meetings.
• Ability to translate physical systems to manageable computer models, interpret and apply results.
• Proficiency with other mechanical equipment (heat exchangers, heaters, rotating equipment) a plus.
• Experience presenting papers at technical meetings and participating in professional groups.
• Application of Six Sigma methodologies and tools in product development is a plus.

• Proven track record of successful mechanical design projects.
• Leadership and mentoring of junior engineers.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and best practices.
• Experience with product testing and validation.
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.

Annual base salary: $129,000 – $161,000.

Candidate must be a U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have U.S. protected status (asylum or refugee) or ability to obtain export authorization.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability; 401(k) match; flexible spending accounts; health savings accounts; employee assistance program; educational assistance; parental leave; paid time off; 12 paid holidays.

Light travel (