Senior Mechanical Engineer, Fixed Equipment

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Messer, you'll be responsible for providing engineering support to our operational plants, focusing on mechanical integrity and preventive maintenance for piping and vessels. You'll lead assessments during plant takeovers, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and collaborate on the management of inspection programs. Your role will also include approving inspection and repair procedures, so your attention to detail and expert knowledge will be crucial to our operations.

To qualify for the Senior Mechanical Engineer role at Messer, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering along with a minimum of 10 years of experience in an operational and engineering environment. Your experience should encompass engineering projects, equipment specs, as well as operation and maintenance of piping and vessels, along with strong knowledge of regulatory codes such as ASME and API requirements.

A Senior Mechanical Engineer at Messer should have a working knowledge of critical regulatory standards and codes, including ASME B31.3, API, and NBIC guidelines. Familiarity with welding codes and materials used in construction and seismic protection is essential. Additionally, strong oral and written communication skills, project management abilities, and the capability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment are key technical skills that will benefit your success in this role.

Safety is a top priority at Messer, particularly in the Senior Mechanical Engineer role. You'll ensure that all equipment meets safety and operational standards through diligent mechanical integrity programs and compliance checks. Additionally, reviewing and updating safety protocols and procedures for inspections and repairs will be part of your responsibilities. This commitment to safety guarantees that our operations run efficiently and our employees remain protected.

At Messer, the environment is collaborative and focused on continuous improvement. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will work closely with local plant managers, other engineering staff, and third-party contractors. This team-centric approach allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to shape operations, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of our plant operations.

In your response, highlight specific examples where you ensured compliance with regulations like ASME or API codes. Discuss how you managed inspections, identified potential compliance issues, and implemented solutions to ensure all equipment and practices met required standards.

Discuss your methodology for conducting assessments, such as using risk-based inspection techniques or analyzing historical data. Explain how your assessments lead to maintenance priorities and decisions regarding equipment upgrades or repairs, showcasing your analytical skills.

Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning through professional development, attending seminars, and staying connected with industry groups. Mention specific resources you rely on, such as technical journals, regulatory updates, and online courses, to keep your knowledge up to date.

Share a detailed example that highlights your problem-solving skills and project management capabilities. Focus on the steps you took to overcome challenges, how you collaborated with team members, and what measures you implemented to keep the project on track and within budget.

Explain the importance of clear communication, especially when coordinating between engineering teams, plant managers, and contractors. Provide examples of how effective communication led to successful project outcomes or how it helped resolve conflicts in meetings or during project execution.

Discuss your time management strategy, possibly touching on tools or methods you use, such as project management software or prioritizing tasks based on impact and urgency. Share your experiences managing competing deadlines and ensure to highlight your ability to remain organized and efficient.

Highlight the importance of fostering collaboration and open communication among team members. Discuss strategies you've used in the past, such as regular meetings, constructive feedback, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and expertise.

Share your systematic approach, which may include conducting risk assessments, reviewing existing maintenance protocols, and collaborating with team members for input. Your answer should reflect a focus on efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory guidelines to ensure effective maintenance strategies.

Provide insights into how you've evaluated and selected vendors for engineering projects, discussing the criteria you used and how you ensured the quality of services. Specific examples of successful collaborations with vendors that improved project outcomes will strengthen your response.

Discuss the tools and software you employ to track inspections, schedule evaluations, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Mention any proactive measures you've taken to address issues before they lead to compliance failures or operational disruptions.