Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of innovation and technology, the demand for pressure vessel design engineers has never been higher.

As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and ensure the safety of pressure vessels grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a pressure vessel design engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the ins and outs of pressure vessel engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive pressure vessel design engineer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Pressure Vessel Design Engineers are involved in the design, analysis, and modification of equipment that can withstand high pressure.

They work with complex mathematical and engineering principles to create safe, functional designs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing structural and thermal analysis of pressure vessels using engineering principles and simulation software
• Designing pressure vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, and other equipment according to industry standards and project requirements
• Developing and testing prototypes of designed equipment
• Ensuring the vessel design meets all safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Preparing detailed engineering drawings and specifications for manufacturing
• Conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks of pressure vessels to ensure their functionality and safety
• Working with other professionals, such as material scientists and welding engineers, to optimize the design and manufacturing process
• Documenting all phases of the design process for future reference and troubleshooting
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest technological and regulatory developments in the field of pressure vessel design
• Addressing and resolving design or functionality issues that arise during the production or operation of pressure vessels

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly skilled and analytical Pressure Vessel Design Engineer.

Your responsibilities will include designing, creating, and updating models of pressure vessels, performing structural analyses, and conducting performance and safety tests.

You will also be responsible for meeting with clients and providing customer support when needed.

The ideal candidate should have a thorough understanding of physics, engineering principles, and material science, along with strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Designing pressure vessels using principles of engineering, physics, and material science.
• Performing structural analysis of designs using mathematical and computational tools.
• Conducting performance and safety tests on prototypes and completed designs.
• Updating and modifying designs to improve performance and to comply with regulations.
• Meeting with clients to discuss project specifications and progress.
• Providing customer support as needed.
• Preparing documentation, including design plans and manuals.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer or similar role.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other engineering design tools.
• Strong understanding of physics, engineering principles, and material science.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pressure Vessel Design Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional site visits. Some travel may be required for client meetings or project consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Engineer or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Do?

Pressure Vessel Design Engineers generally work for engineering firms, manufacturing industries, or as consultants in various sectors such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors.

Their primary role involves designing, evaluating, and modifying high-pressure containment structures used for storing or transporting fluids, gases, or bulk solids.

They are responsible for ensuring these vessels meet all safety and operational standards set by international and local regulations.

Pressure Vessel Design Engineers use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software for modeling and simulation of vessel designs.

They also analyze and interpret data from stress analysis, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and other technical specifications to optimize the design.

These engineers work in close collaboration with other professionals like material engineers, quality control engineers, and manufacturing engineers to choose appropriate materials, specify manufacturing procedures, and inspect finished products for quality.

They also participate in risk assessments and safety audits of pressure vessels.

If any defects are identified, Pressure Vessel Design Engineers are tasked with providing solutions to correct these and enhance the safety and reliability of the vessels.

Moreover, they are often involved in the preparation and review of technical documents, such as design specifications, test protocols, and inspection reports.

They also stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Qualifications and Skills

A successful Pressure Vessel Design Engineer should have the skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the role, such as:

• Strong knowledge in mechanical engineering principles, specifically in the design and manufacturing of pressure vessels.
• Proficiency in using design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks to create detailed design plans and specifications.
• Excellent understanding of industry standards and regulations, including the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, to ensure design compliance.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address potential design issues and improve the performance and safety of pressure vessels.
• Attention to detail and precision to ensure the accurate design and production of pressure vessels.
• Strong mathematical abilities to perform complex calculations related to the design and manufacturing process.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, present design plans, and explain complex engineering concepts.
• Project management skills to oversee the design process from conception to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials to propose cost-effective and efficient design solutions.
• Ability to conduct stress tests and analysis to ensure the integrity and safety of the pressure vessel designs.

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pressure Vessel Design Engineers may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles related to mechanical or industrial engineering.

This experience can be gained in roles such as Junior Mechanical Engineer, Design Assistant, or Quality Control Intern.

These professionals can also increase their expertise by working with advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software, understanding compliance regulations, and learning about the materials used in pressure vessel design.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have built up their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level roles, and have a broad understanding of pressure vessel standards, such as ASME and PED.

They may have also gained experience in performing finite element analysis (FEA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) during this time.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually well-versed in project management and have often led teams in the design and implementation of pressure vessels.

At this stage, they may have experience in preparing and presenting design reviews to clients or stakeholders, managing project timelines, and coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure successful project completion.

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Pressure Vessel Design Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field.

These programs equip students with a solid foundation in design, materials science, and manufacturing processes, which are vital for the design of pressure vessels.

In addition to the degree, they must also have a deep understanding of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) codes, which are crucial in the design and manufacturing of pressure vessels.

For more complex or higher level roles, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in engineering or a specialized field related to pressure vessel design.

Many professionals in this field also pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE), which requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, work experience, and passing scores on the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principals and Practice of Engineering) exams.

Continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest technology and codes in the industry is crucial.

Hence, many engineers participate in workshops, seminars, and other training sessions throughout their careers.

Certifications related to specific software or technology used in pressure vessel design can also enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Salary Expectations

A Pressure Vessel Design Engineer typically earns an average salary of $91,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, special certifications, the complexity of the projects handled, and the location of the employer.

 

Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer need?

Pressure Vessel Design Engineers require a strong understanding of engineering principles, particularly in areas such as thermodynamics and materials science.

They need to have strong skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and be proficient in industry-specific software such as PV Elite or Compress.

In addition to this, they need to have excellent problem-solving skills, great attention to detail and a good understanding of safety regulations and standards.

 

Do Pressure Vessel Design Engineers need a degree?

Most Pressure Vessel Design Engineer roles require at least a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

Some employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Continued education or certifications in pressure vessel design and related software are often beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer resume?

A Pressure Vessel Design Engineer’s resume should highlight their degree in mechanical engineering and any additional relevant certifications.

It should also showcase their experience in designing and evaluating pressure vessels using CAD and other industry-specific software.

Knowledge of pressure vessel codes and standards, as well as experience in project management, could be another key point to look for.

 

What qualities make a good Pressure Vessel Design Engineer?

A good Pressure Vessel Design Engineer has strong analytical skills, enabling them to analyze data and make calculations related to pressure vessel design.

They should be detail-oriented, to ensure accuracy in design and compliance with regulations.

Being a good communicator is also essential, as they need to explain complex designs to non-technical team members.

Lastly, they should demonstrate adaptability to changing regulations and advancements in technology.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pressure Vessel Design Engineers?

Given the specialized nature of the job, finding qualified Pressure Vessel Design Engineers can be challenging.

The role requires specific education and experience, as well as familiarity with certain software and regulations.

To attract top talent, companies often need to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and interesting projects.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pressure vessel design engineer.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about creating blueprints.

It’s about moulding the future of pressure vessel technology, one design at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive pressure vessel design engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating detailed listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every design is a part of a larger innovation.

Let’s engineer that future. Together.