Mechanical Design Engineer – ASME Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

Mechanical Design Engineer - ASME Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

Location: Hamburg, New York

Job Type: Full-Time

Hybrid Position: This position is primarily on-site in Hamburg, New York, with limited remote work available based on project needs and manager approval.

Cataract Steel Industries is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to design and detail ASME shell-and-tube heat exchangers and pressure vessels.

This hands-on position supports projects from customer specifications and initial design through approval drawings, code calculations, bills of material, fabrication, inspection, and final documentation.

• Design shell-and-tube heat exchangers and pressure vessels in accordance with ASME Section VIII.
• Review customer specifications, drawings, data sheets, and technical requirements.
• Prepare general arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, machining details, and bills of material.
• Perform and document pressure-vessel calculations using COMPRESS, PV Elite, or similar software.
• Translate customer and Code requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, machining, welding, purchasing, quality, and project management.
• Support the shop by answering technical questions, issuing revisions, and resolving fabrication concerns.
• Support NDE, hydrostatic testing, Authorized Inspector reviews, and customer hold points.
• Maintain drawings, revisions, BOMs, and engineering records within the company ERP system.
• Identify design, material, fabrication, and scheduling risks before they affect production.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting and Design, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience designing ASME pressure vessels or shell-and-tube heat exchangers.
• Working knowledge of ASME Section VIII, Division 1.
• Proficiency with Solid Works, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software.
• Experience performing ASME Code calculations manually or through recognized design software.
• Ability to prepare complete, fabrication-ready drawings and bills of material.
• Understanding of welding, machining, forming, assembly, and fabrication processes.
• Strong technical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Equivalent industry experience may be considered in place of formal education requirements.

• Experience with COMPRESS, PV Elite, or similar pressure-vessel design software.
• Knowledge of TEMA standards and ASME Section VIII, Division 2.
• Experience working in an ASME "U" Stamp fabrication shop.
• Familiarity with NACE requirements, material selection, and corrosion considerations.
• Knowledge of RT, UT, PT, MT, hydrotesting, and inspection hold points.
• Experience with ERP systems such as JobBOSS.

• Designs meet ASME Code and customer requirements.
• Drawings are accurate, complete, and fabrication-ready.
• Code calculations and documentation are organized and inspection-ready.
• Design risks are identified and resolved early.
• Projects remain aligned with customer schedules and production requirements.
• The engineer maintains ownership from initial design through fabrication and testing.

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health and employee benefits.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Direct involvement in custom-engineered equipment from design through completed fabrication.
• A collaborative environment where engineering works directly with manufacturing.

Cataract Steel Industries designs and manufactures custom shell-and-tube heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and fabricated industrial equipment. Our engineering, quality, machining, welding, and production teams work together to deliver equipment that meets customer specifications, applicable codes, and manufacturing requirements.

Cataract Steel Industries is an equal opportunity employer.