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Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tarsco Construction Corporation

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Thermal Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking a highly capable Thermal Design Engineer to lead the thermal and hydraulic design of shell-and-tube heat exchangers and related heat transfer equipment using HTRI ...

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All JobsShell Tube Heat Exchanger Design Jobs

Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Design information

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$57K

$94.3K

$116.5K

How much do shell tube heat exchanger design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for shell tube heat exchanger design in the United States is $94,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Design vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectShell Tube Heat Exchanger DesignMechanical Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and optimization of heat exchangersDesign, analysis, and maintenance of mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, engineering officesFactories, construction sites, engineering firms
CredentialsMechanical engineering degree, heat transfer certificationsMechanical engineering degree, professional engineering license
Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, power generationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Design specialists focus specifically on designing efficient heat exchange systems, whereas Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope including various mechanical systems and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right professional for your project needs.

What is a shell and tube heat exchanger?

A shell and tube heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that consists of a series of tubes, one set carrying a hot fluid and the other a cold fluid, allowing heat transfer between the two fluids without mixing them. The tubes are enclosed within a larger cylindrical shell, and the design allows for efficient heat exchange by maximizing surface area. This type of heat exchanger is commonly used in industries such as power generation, chemical processing, and oil refining due to its effectiveness and versatility. Proper design takes into account factors like fluid flow rates, temperature differences, pressure, and materials to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Designer, you need a strong background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. Familiarity with industry codes (like ASME), design software (such as HTRI, Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating), and drafting tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial for translating complex requirements into viable engineering solutions. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective exchanger designs that meet client and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced when designing shell and tube heat exchangers, and how can new designers effectively address them?

One of the main challenges in shell and tube heat exchanger design is balancing thermal performance with mechanical constraints, such as pressure drop and material compatibility. New designers often need to optimize tube layouts, baffle spacing, and flow rates to achieve efficient heat transfer while preventing issues like vibration or fouling. Collaborating closely with process engineers and fabrication teams can help ensure the design meets operational requirements and is feasible to manufacture. Continuous learning about industry standards (like TEMA and ASME codes) and using simulation software can also help new designers overcome these challenges.
Infographic showing various Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,322 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Process Millwright -- Valves, Heat Exchangers & Steam Tracing

Twin Rivers Chemical

Quincy, MA • On-site

$27 - $40/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Build reliability into every turn of the wrench

Join a mission to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient operations in an oleochemical refinery. As a process millwright, you blend craftsmanship with discipline—protecting people, equipment, and throughput by maintaining rotating assets, valve and piping systems, thermal equipment, and ASME pressure vessels. You’ll work independently, in a role equivalent to an industrial mechanic in a continuous process plant, where your decisions meaningfully impact uptime.

Your impact
  • Protect: Apply LOTO, confined space, hot work, fall protection, and energy isolation without exception; complete JSAs; use stop-work authority to halt unsafe or high-risk activities.
  • Restore: Rebuild centrifugal and positive displacement pumps; service seals and bearings; align shafts with laser/dial methods; torque couplings and rotating assemblies to spec.
  • Seal: Execute leak-free bolted flange assembly; replace gaskets; follow proper torque sequence and bolt loading; remove/repair/reinstall process valves.
  • Heat and move: Install and maintain steam tracing (bend/flare tubing, set traps, troubleshoot condensate); service shell-and-tube heat exchangers (bundle removal, inspection, reinstallation); support distillation columns, hydrolysis towers, and distillation systems.
  • Contain: Assist with ASME-coded pressure vessel and tower maintenance, including internal entry preparation and reassembly of large vertical vessels.
  • Handle: Rig and move pumps, motors, exchanger bundles, and piping components using slings, shackles, and lifting devices to standard.
  • Fabricate: Measure precisely (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators); run manual machines (lathe, Bridgeport-style mill, drill press, broaching tools); drill/tap/fabricate/modify; machine and fit keyways and shafts.
  • Sustain: Execute preventative and corrective maintenance across hydrolysis, distillation, fractionation, separations, utilities, and logistics systems; keep CMMS records accurate; recommend procedure and reliability improvements; maintain tools, rigging, and shop spaces in safe condition.
  • Mobilize: Support outages, shutdowns, and turnarounds; work extended hours or shifts when needed; perform lubrication activities and equipment inspections; troubleshoot broadly; support TRT's annual shutdown.
What you bringRequired
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • 3+ years of mechanical maintenance in refinery/chemical/power/heavy industry OR completion of a recognized Industrial Maintenance, Millwright, or Mechanical Technology program.
  • Demonstrated centrifugal pump repair and precision alignment (laser or dial) skill.
  • Knowledgeable in bolted flange assembly.
  • Experienced with manual machining (lathe and milling machine).
  • Can read mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and OEM manuals.
  • Proficient with micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
  • Working knowledge of steam systems and steam traps.
  • Competent and safe basic rigger.
  • Understands refinery safety practices and LOTO.
Preferred
  • Formal Millwright/Industrial Mechanic apprenticeship.
  • NCCER Industrial Maintenance or Millwright certification.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.
  • Confined Space Entry and Fall Protection training.
  • Experience with shell & tube heat exchangers and ASME pressure vessels.
  • Experience in oleochemical, chemical, or refinery operations.
Working conditions
  • All-weather exposure; PPE required; some tasks in confined spaces.
  • Frequent walking, standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 lbs.
  • Climb stairs and ladders to 120 feet.
  • Lift equipment up to and exceeding 40 lbs during maintenance.
  • Turn valves, move handles, and perform overhead work.
Technical strengths
  • Mechanical troubleshooting
  • Maintenance and repair
  • Equipment diagnostics & troubleshooting
  • Mechanical systems & component repair
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Equipment repair & maintenance
  • Equipment installation