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Pressure Vessels Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Pressure Vessels information

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$22.5K

$71.7K

$132.5K

How much do pressure vessels jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for pressure vessels in the United States is $71,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pressure vessel engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pressure Vessel Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, knowledge of materials science, and familiarity with industry codes such as ASME Section VIII. Proficiency with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, compliant, and cost-effective design and maintenance of pressure vessels used in critical industries.

What are some common challenges faced by pressure vessel engineers in ensuring compliance with safety standards?

Pressure vessel engineers often encounter challenges related to interpreting and consistently applying complex safety codes, such as ASME Section VIII. Ensuring that design, fabrication, and inspection processes all meet stringent regulatory requirements can be demanding, especially when working with different materials or custom vessel geometries. Additionally, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including welders, inspectors, and project managers—requires strong communication to prevent errors and delays. Staying up-to-date with evolving standards and managing thorough documentation are also key aspects of maintaining compliance in this role.

What is the difference between Pressure Vessels vs Welders?

AspectPressure VesselsWelders
Required CertificationsASME, API certificationsCertified welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentFactories, industrial plants, construction sitesWorkshops, construction sites, industrial facilities
Industry UsageManufacturing, oil & gas, chemical processingConstruction, manufacturing, repair work

Pressure Vessels and Welders often collaborate, but their roles differ. Pressure Vessels involve designing and maintaining pressurized containers, requiring specialized certifications. Welders perform the actual joining of metal parts, often working on Pressure Vessels or other equipment. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in industrial settings.

What is a pressure vessel?

Pressure vessels are containers specifically designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. They are widely used in industries such as chemical, oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing for tasks like storage and processing of fluids under pressure. Due to the risks involved with high-pressure contents, pressure vessels are built to strict engineering standards and are subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure safety and compliance.

What is the work of pressure vessels?

Pressure vessel workers are responsible for designing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing pressure vessels that contain gases or liquids under high pressure. They ensure these vessels meet safety standards and often use specialized tools and certifications to perform their tasks in industrial settings. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures the safe operation of equipment in industries like manufacturing, energy, and chemical processing.
More about Pressure Vessels jobs
What cities are hiring for Pressure Vessels jobs? Cities with the most Pressure Vessels job openings:
What states have the most Pressure Vessels jobs? States with the most job openings for Pressure Vessels jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pressure Vessels jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pressure Vessels jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pressure Vessels job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,689 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - STAFF ENGINEER - Marine Structures & Pressure Vessels

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 73 rated research


Job description

Who We Are:
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.
Objectives of this Role:
  • 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.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • 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.

Requirements:
  • 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.

Special Requirements:
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 Locations: San Antonio, Texas
For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.
For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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