Machinery Diagnostic Services (MDS) Engineer - Vibration Special in Knoxville

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Job DescriptionJob Description

Machinery Diagnostic Services (MDS) Engineer – Vibration Specialist

Location: Knoxville, TN (Hybrid/On-site)
Travel: Domestic and international field work (up to 30%)
Reports To: Director of Measurement & Diagnostic Services

About McHale & Associates
McHale & Associates delivers advanced measurement and diagnostic services to improve the performance and reliability of power and industrial facilities worldwide. Our engineers specialize in vibration diagnostics, rotating equipment analysis, and performance testing across gas turbines, steam turbines, compressors, and balance-of-plant equipment.

About the Role
We are seeking a Machinery Diagnostic Services (MDS) Engineer focused on vibration analysis and rotating machinery troubleshooting. This hands-on engineering role supports field testing, data interpretation, and client consultation for condition monitoring and root-cause analysis. You’ll work with an elite diagnostic team solving complex vibration, balancing, and alignment challenges across power and heavy industrial systems.

What You’ll Do

• Collect, analyze, and interpret vibration and process data from a wide range of rotating equipment.
• Perform machinery diagnostics and recommend corrective actions for imbalance, misalignment, resonance, or mechanical looseness.
• Conduct field balancing, shaft alignment, and operating deflection shape (ODS) studies.
• Configure and operate vibration data acquisition systems (e.g., ADRE, SCOUT, Emerson CSI, Falcon).
• Support performance testing and condition monitoring programs for gas turbines, steam turbines, and compressors.
• Develop clear, actionable diagnostic reports and present findings to clients.
• Collaborate with McHale’s performance engineers to correlate vibration findings with plant operating conditions.
• Mentor junior technicians and contribute to internal best-practice standards.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in vibration analysis, rotating equipment diagnostics, or machinery condition monitoring.
• Strong understanding of vibration principles, signal analysis, and machinery dynamics.
• Proficiency with at least one major vibration platform (e.g., Bently Nevada ADRE, Emerson CSI, AECOM Falcon).
• Ability to interpret plant P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and data trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interaction and reporting.
• Willingness to travel for field work (typically 1–2 week durations).

Extras

• Bently Nevada MDS Level 1 or 2 certification, or equivalent OEM training.
• Familiarity with ultrasonic, thermography, or oil analysis technologies.
• Experience in balancing, alignment, and modal/ODS analysis.
• Exposure to ASME and API standards related to rotating machinery.
• Professional Engineering license (PE) or eligibility.

Why McHale?
You’ll join a team that engineers trust for its deep technical integrity and practical results. McHale offers exposure to diverse machinery types, advanced diagnostic tools, and the opportunity to grow into senior consulting and leadership roles in performance and reliability engineering.

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