Job Title: Piping Engineer (Stress Engineer I)Job DescriptionThis early-career Piping Engineer role focuses on piping stress analysis, system flexibility, piping supports, and mechanical design for complex engineering projects. You will perform formal piping stress analyses, evaluate loads on equipment and structures, and collaborate closely with piping designers and multidisciplinary engineering teams. This position offers strong technical development, exposure to full EPC project lifecycles, and clear opportunities for long-term career growth.Responsibilities
- Perform detailed analysis and evaluation of piping systems for thermal flexibility, vibration, pipe supports, and equipment and nozzle loads.
- Conduct formal piping stress analyses using CAESAR II in accordance with applicable piping codes.
- Apply ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 piping code requirements to design and analysis activities.
- Work alongside piping designers to optimize pipe routing, support locations, and overall system layout.
- Evaluate piping loads on equipment nozzles, pressure vessels, and structural support steel to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Prepare formal piping stress evaluation reports that clearly document methods, assumptions, results, and recommendations.
- Conduct field surveys and collect field data to support piping stress analysis and design verification.
- Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and related technical documentation for piping systems.
- Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, vendors, construction teams, and clients to resolve technical issues and support project execution.
- Assist in preparing technical documentation, design concepts, and drawing markups to communicate design intent.
- Participate in project meetings and contribute to discussions related to piping design, constructability, and field execution.
- Support multiple projects as needed, contributing to both large, complex projects and smaller assignments.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.
- 03 years of mechanical engineering experience, ideally with exposure to piping systems.
- Basic understanding of piping stress analysis and system flexibility concepts.
- Ability to perform formal piping stress analysis using CAESAR II or a strong willingness and aptitude to learn the software.
- Familiarity with ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 piping code requirements or the ability to apply engineering codes and standards.
- Capability to review and interpret engineering drawings, piping isometrics, and specifications.
- Strong attention to detail when performing calculations, reviewing designs, and preparing documentation.
- Ability to prepare technical documentation, design concepts, and drawing markups in a clear and organized manner.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with designers, engineers, and project stakeholders.
- Foundational knowledge of piping design and piping systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with CAESAR II for piping stress analysis.
- Exposure to piping design tools such as AutoCAD.
- Experience with engineering calculation tools such as Mathcad.
- Familiarity with finite element analysis tools such as Ansys.
- Experience working with piping supports and mechanical design for complex projects.
- Interest in gaining exposure to engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and field execution (EPC) phases.
- Desire to develop technical expertise with industry standards and codes, including NEC, IEEE/ANSI, and NEMA standards, as they relate to broader power and industrial projects.
- Interest in building skills with tools such as ETAP and in areas such as relay coordination, one-line and three-line diagrams, and large electrical equipment, as part of broader multidisciplinary project exposure.
- Motivation to grow into roles with increasing responsibility, including potential progression to lead engineer positions.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and engage with project leads, project managers, construction teams, and leadership.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in modern, state-of-the-art office environments located in Downers Grove, IL or Hammond, IN, with a hybrid work arrangement of three days in the office and two days working from home. You will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary design center alongside piping designers, engineers from other disciplines, vendors, construction teams, and clients. The culture emphasizes long-term development, mentorship, and exposure to the full project lifecycle, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and field execution. Engineers support a variety of work, from major power generation and industrial projects to multiple smaller projects, providing exposure to different clients, facilities, and engineering challenges. The interview process typically consists of two rounds, including one virtual interview and one on-site office visit. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $48.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Downers Grove,IL.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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