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Pressure Vessel Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

API Heat Transfer is seeking talented Design Engineers ! At API we take our culture transformation ... Experience in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel design a plus * Specializing in Heat Exchangers ...

API Heat Transfer is seeking talented Design Engineers ! At API we take our culture transformation ... Experience in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel design a plus * Specializing in Heat Exchangers ...

API Heat Transfer is seeking talented Design Engineers ! At API we take our culture transformation ... Experience in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel design a plus * Specializing in Heat Exchangers ...

Pressure Vessel Engineer (PE) Kennerdell, PA $130k - Competitive Benefit Package - Health/Medical ... This hands-on position is responsible for the design, drafting, and engineering calculations of ...

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Pressure Vessel Design Engineer information

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$87

How much do pressure vessel design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pressure vessel design engineer in the United States is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $73.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pressure vessel design engineer?

To thrive as a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, expertise in materials science, and proficiency in industry codes such as ASME, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) tools, as well as certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are common technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you navigate complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are essential to ensuring safe, regulatory-compliant, and cost-effective pressure vessel designs in high-stakes industrial environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pressure vessel design engineer?

As a Pressure Vessel Design Engineer, you can expect to spend your days preparing detailed vessel designs and drawings, performing stress and safety analyses using industry-specific codes, and collaborating with fabrication teams to address technical challenges. You may also attend project meetings to coordinate with clients, purchasing, and quality assurance personnel, ensuring all vessel specifications and regulatory requirements are met. Additionally, reviewing vendor documentation and providing technical support during manufacturing and testing phases are common aspects of the role. This dynamic routine allows you to directly contribute to safe, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions across multiple industries.

What is a pressure vessel design engineer?

A Pressure Vessel Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and compliance of pressure vessels used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing. They apply engineering principles, material science, and industry codes like ASME Section VIII to develop vessels that withstand high pressures and temperatures. Their role includes calculating stresses, selecting appropriate materials, creating detailed design drawings, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure proper fabrication. Additionally, they may conduct inspections, testing, and failure analysis to optimize vessel performance and safety.

More about Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pressure Vessel Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pressure Vessel Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pressure Vessel Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,062 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Lead, Mechanical Engineering (Reactor Pressure Vessel)

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site

$112K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.
Job Description
X-energy is seeking an experienced Design Lead for our Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) team to lead the design, analysis, and qualification of pressure boundary components for our Xe-100 small modular reactor. This role will be responsible for ensuring RPV designs meet all regulatory, safety, and performance requirements while leading a team of engineers through the design and licensing process.
This position provides management support and technical leadership to the group performing a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering across all projects and programs. This includes directing the work of individual contributors on the team, at the discretion of projects which they are supporting, providing organizational support for the project team, and assisting with the design, analysis and drafting of systems, structures, and components for various advanced reactor plants.
Responsibilities
  • Support the execution of the mechanical design, analysis, or evaluation of assigned projects using sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program / project requirements.
  • Lead team responsible for performing the mechanical design of various advanced reactor plants to inform the design, manufacturing, construction and licensing strategy.
  • Provides support for the management of the utilization of engineering resources across multiple projects and ensures qualified engineers are performing assigned work.
  • Lead design cycle sprints and provide direction to ensure the convergence of efforts of engineering team members, partners, and suppliers to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering work products are on schedule and within budget as defined by the Project leadership.
  • May manage mechanical engineering staff by ensuring they are meeting expectations and promoting their professional development.
  • Influences and supports the development of strategy, methodology and technical tools for the area of responsibility.
  • Interprets internal business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, tools, or services.
  • Uses judgement to support with making decisions and handling complex tasks or problems in areas of operations, product management, technology, or engineering.
  • Planning and performing the analysis required to assess aspects of the SSCs to ensure they can perform their intended functions and meet technical specifications and design requirements.
  • Perform computations utilizing hand calculations and analytical tools for structural, thermal, hydraulic, and other scoping calculations as required at the direction of project leads and systems engineers to ensure SSCs can meet technical requirements.
  • Work within a multidisciplinary engineering team to create the next generation nuclear power plants.
  • Perform work in accordance with design control procedures, ensuring thorough documentation of work, facilitation of internal and external design reviews, and control of product design configuration data.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline from an accredited university or college.
  • Typically, seven years of engineering experience. Graduate degrees typically count as two plus years of experience.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas:

Mechanical Design
  • Designing and developing mechanical or fluid systems, assemblies, or components.
  • Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight.
  • Use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and product lifecycle management (PLM) software.
  • E.g. UG/NX, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar.

Preferred Experience
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification with active pursuit of PE licensure
  • Demonstrated experience with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III
  • Background in nuclear-grade pressure vessel design and analysis
  • Familiarity with ASME Code Cases applicable to advanced reactors
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and supplier qualification programs
  • Strong collaboration skills with manufacturing partners and fabricators
  • Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams. Experienced in establishing design criteria across disciplines
  • Experience directing and coordinating thermal, nuclear, and structural engineering activities for pressure vessel applications
  • Proficiency with structural finite element analysis (FEA) software (ANSYS, ABAQUS, or equivalent) and ability to oversee complex analysis efforts

Location: 530 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD
Work Site Expectations: At least 4 days per week in office
Travel Expectations: 20%
Hours: Standard office schedule are 8:00am-5:00pm ET Mon-Fri
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
$127,500 - $212,500
Position Job Classification
Full time - Exempt
Benefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish