The Chief Mechanical Engineer – Steam and Thermal Systems serves as the technical authority for the design, operation, reliability, and optimization of all steam generation, distribution, and thermal energy systems across the facility or enterprise. This individual provides subject matter expertise in boilers, heat exchangers, condensate systems, pressure vessels, and high-temperature fluid systems. The role includes leadership in engineering design reviews, equipment selection, system performance analysis, and support of capital projects. The Chief Mechanical Engineer ensures systems are designed and operated safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Serve as the lead mechanical engineering authority for all steam and thermal systems, including:
High- and low-pressure steam boilers
Heat exchangers (shell-and-tube, plate, double-pipe)
Thermal oil systems
Steam traps, condensate return systems, deaerators
Pressure reducing stations and control valves
Develop and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and best practices for thermal and mechanical systems.
Lead or support the mechanical design of new installations, expansions, and upgrades for thermal systems.
Review and approve P&IDs, mechanical drawings, piping designs, and insulation specifications for steam and thermal systems.
Collaborate with project engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure sound mechanical design and performance.
Conduct thermal performance analysis and energy balance studies for steam and heat transfer systems.
Recommend and implement system improvements for efficiency, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Use data from SCADA, BMS, and sensors to monitor KPIs such as fuel consumption, heat rate, steam quality, and condensate recovery.
Ensure systems comply with ASME codes (Section I & VIII), API, NFPA, OSHA, local pressure vessel regulations, and environmental standards.
Lead or support incident investigations, root cause analyses, and risk assessments involving thermal or pressurized systems.
Oversee pressure safety valve (PSV) sizing, relief system design, and compliance with pressure containment best practices.
Provide technical support to maintenance teams for troubleshooting, failure analysis, and lifecycle management of thermal assets.
Guide the preventive and predictive maintenance programs for boilers, piping, valves, traps, and heat exchangers.
Establish and oversee asset integrity management programs for critical components.
Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and operators on system design principles and troubleshooting.
Lead technical training and knowledge-sharing sessions on thermal systems operation and maintenance.
Contribute to succession planning and the development of engineering talent.
Steam Generation & Distribution: Boiler sizing, combustion efficiency, feedwater systems, steam quality control.
Heat Transfer Systems: Thermal fluid systems, condensate handling, energy recovery.
Pressure Systems Safety: Design pressure, relief valve sizing, piping stress analysis, and code compliance.
Energy Efficiency: Steam loss audits, insulation effectiveness, condensate recovery.
Standards & Regulations: ASME (Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code), API, OSHA, NFPA, and local boiler codes.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).
Professional Engineer (PE) license highly preferred.
12+ years of mechanical engineering experience with a focus on steam and thermal systems, including at least 5 years in a senior technical role.
Deep knowledge of ASME BPVC, PTC, B31.1/B31.3, and relevant industry standards.
Experience in thermal system modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Pipe-Flo, AutoPIPE, or equivalent).
Strong analytical, project management, and leadership skills.
Experience in high-reliability or regulated industries (e.g., power, pharma, food processing) preferred.