What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pressure Systems & Lifting Devices (PVS/LDE) Program Manager position at ARES Corporation?
ARES Technical Services provides Safety and Mission Assurance support to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) under the Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract. This position directly supports the GSFC Code 320 Safety and Health Division as the program manager and engineering expert for the Greenbelt Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems (PVS) and Lifting Devices and Equipment (LDE) programs.
Functional responsibilities:
- Provide management and oversight of the GSFC Greenbelt PVS and LDE programs, including review and recommended approval of LDE/PVS testing, inspections, engineering analyses, and certification/recertification of ground-based pressure vessels and pressurized systems.
- Serve as the engineering expert on analysis and evaluation of PVS certification/recertification problems, including characterization and analysis of flaws, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and Process Piping Code analyses, acceptance criteria development and evaluation, fracture mechanics analysis, and specialized analyses to resolve engineering or inspection issues.
- Validate the Center's pressure systems and vessels to ensure safe operation at rated pressure; resolve complex revalidation issues arising from missing legacy documentation and evolving design/construction standards and criteria.
- Lead an effort to determine the current state of the Greenbelt PVS program: identify all PVS systems, assign risk categories, and determine certification status and critical safety components to enable the Center to address system deficiencies.
- Support the Division Chief in developing a plan to address Center PVS risks and bring Center PVS systems into compliance with OSHA and industry standards.
- Identify NASA/GSFC LDE or PVS requirements not required by OSHA or industry that provide no significant risk reduction, and recommend process changes to drive efficiency and better enable missions.
- Serve as technical advisor and consulting safety engineer for application of current safety technologies and regulations to facilities, structures, systems, and equipment; support technical program planning and coordinate with engineers in execution.
- Key deliverables: weekly status reports; Greenbelt PVS System Risk Level and Status assessment (Oct 1, 2026); recommended PVS/LDE process improvements and requirements-tailoring report (Oct 31, 2026).
Minimum Requirements:
- Demonstrated expertise in ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Div. 1 and Div. 2, requirements and analyses.
- ASME B31.3 Process Piping requirements and analyses.API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Fitness-For-Service requirements and analyses.
- API 520 Parts I and II (sizing, selection, and installation of pressure-relieving devices) requirements and analyses.
- National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) NB-23, Parts 1, 2, and 3, requirements and applicable analyses.
- Application of nondestructive examination (NDE) methodologies for pressure vessels/systems based on their codes and standards of construction.
- System and component field inspection/verification and walk-downs against system P&IDs.
- Knowledge of safe operation of high-pressure systems.
- Ability to complete government-required training for NASA physical and computer system access.
Education:
- A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline (mechanical engineering strongly preferred).
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in pressure vessel/pressurized systems engineering, certification/recertification, and/or pressure systems program management (suggested - confirm against contract labor categ
ARES Benefits:
ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- HSA/FSA Accounts
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- ESOP
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 601.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).