Piping/Pressure Vessel Engineer @ Actalent

Job Title: Piping/Pressure Vessel EngineerJob DescriptionThe Piping/Pressure Vessel Engineer provides technical engineering support for the manufacturing, assembly, testing, and validation of piping systems, pressure vessels, fluid systems, and pressurized mechanical equipment. This role focuses on product safety, structural integrity, manufacturing efficiency, pressure-system reliability, and adherence to applicable engineering codes and customer requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, Quality, Production, Design Engineering, and external suppliers to resolve technical issues, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure pressure-containing systems consistently meet required specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, manufacturing, and validation of piping systems, pressure vessels, manifolds, pumps, valves, fittings, and pressurized mechanical assemblies.
• Review and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, mechanical drawings, fabrication drawings, layouts, and technical specifications to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluate piping configurations, pressure ratings, wall thickness, materials, fittings, flanges, gaskets, seals, and mechanical connections for safety, reliability, and compliance.
• Support engineering reviews for compliance with applicable ASME, API, ASTM, and customer requirements for piping and pressure vessels.
• Identify potential failures related to pressure, vibration, fatigue, thermal expansion, sealing, and material compatibility, and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
• Support pipe fabrication, welding, brazing, mechanical joining, and assembly operations to ensure robust, repeatable, and code-compliant processes.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for piping and pressure-containing equipment to enhance quality, throughput, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create clear work instructions, manufacturing procedures, test procedures, and technical documentation to support consistent production and testing.
• Establish pressure-testing requirements, including test pressure, hold time, acceptance criteria, instrumentation, and safety precautions for hydrostatic and pneumatic testing.
• Support hydrostatic, pneumatic, leak, pressure-decay, and system-integrity testing of piping systems and pressure vessels.
• Investigate leaks, pressure loss, deformation, test failures, and mechanical defects, and drive effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support the selection and application of pumps, valves, pressure gauges, transducers, relief valves, and other pressure and flow instrumentation.
• Lead or support root-cause investigations using PFMEA, 8D, 5-Why, and similar methods, and implement corrective and preventive actions in manufacturing and test processes.
• Support PFMEAs, risk assessments, process audits, and applicable inspection requirements, including nondestructive examination and welder performance qualifications.
• Work with suppliers to resolve material, fabrication, and component-quality issues related to piping and pressure-containing equipment.
• Support engineering changes, new product introduction (NPI), equipment qualification, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, Quality, Production, and Design Engineering, to address technical challenges and improve product and process performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on pressure safety, testing effectiveness, and manufacturing efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience involving piping systems, pressure vessels, pressurized mechanical equipment, fluid systems, or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of piping and pressure-system fundamentals, including pressure ratings, wall thickness, mechanical stress, material selection, and fluid-system performance.
• Working knowledge of ASME piping and pressure vessel requirements, including ASME BPVC Section VIII and applicable ASME B31 piping codes.
• Hands-on experience supporting pressure testing and leak testing, including hydrostatic, pneumatic, pressure-decay, nitrogen, or similar test methods.
• Experience troubleshooting leaks, pressure loss, pumps, valves, piping assemblies, mechanical failures, or manufacturing defects in pressure-containing systems.
• Ability to perform or review engineering calculations related to pressure, flow, pressure drop, and overall system performance.
• Experience with pumps, valves, fittings, manifolds, and fluid-distribution equipment in industrial applications.
• Knowledge of pressure and flow instrumentation, including pressure gauges, pressure transducers, and related devices.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), piping isometrics, fabrication drawings, and mechanical assembly drawings.
• Understanding of welding, brazing, pipe fabrication, flanges, gaskets, seals, and mechanical joining methods for piping and pressure vessels.
• Familiarity with GD&T, mechanical tolerances, and dimensional inspection practices.
• Experience with PFMEA, 8D, 5-Why, or similar root-cause-analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong technical documentation skills, including the ability to write clear procedures, work instructions, and test documentation.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of API and ASTM standards related to piping, materials, and pressure-containing equipment.
• Experience with nondestructive examination (NDE) methods and understanding of welder performance qualifications.
• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or comparable CAD experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement experience in an industrial setting.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma credentials are helpful but not required.
• Interest in combining mechanical engineering calculations and code knowledge with hands-on troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with production personnel, technicians, engineers, and suppliers.

Work EnvironmentThis role is based in an industrial engineering and manufacturing environment with a strong hands-on focus. The engineer works closely with piping, pressure-containing equipment, and fluid systems on or near the manufacturing floor and test areas. Daily activities involve regular interaction with production personnel, technicians, test engineers, quality teams, and external suppliers. The position includes exposure to pipe fabrication, welding, brazing, assembly, and pressure-testing operations, including hydrostatic, pneumatic, leak, and pressure-decay testing equipment.

The work balances engineering analysis, calculations, and documentation with on-the-floor support, troubleshooting, and process improvement. The environment emphasizes equipment safety, pressure-system reliability, and continuous improvement, offering direct ownership of testing improvements and manufacturing problem-solving for complex industrial equipment.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, TN.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $57.59 - $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Memphis,TN.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.