Principal Engineer - STAFF Engineer - Marine Structures & Pressure Vessels

Overview

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 s:
San Antonio, Texas