Mechanical Design Technician

About the role

The Mechanical Design & Maintenance Technician supports an R&D pilot plant by combining hands-on mechanical maintenance with fabrication and design capabilities. The role maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems while interpreting technical drawings and OEM documentation. It also contributes to custom equipment design, metal fabrication, machining, and assembly to enable experimental processes. The technician assists with equipment installation, improvements, and contractor oversight, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Primary responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve sites and make recommendations to improve equipment performance, quality of product, and cost efficiency.
• Fabricate and install custom parts, frames, brackets, piping, and mechanical assemblies to specification, with proper fit-up and workmanship.
• Custom fabricate and install machine safety guarding.
• Deliver prototype or modified components on time to support R&D project schedules.
• Contribute fabrication expertise and mechanical insights during design discussions, prototyping, and trial preparation.
• Offer practical solutions to enable new processes or test conditions.
• Successfully install, align, integrate, and commission new or modified equipment.
• Provide constructive recommendations to improve safety, performance, and maintainability of equipment.
• Maintain and service equipment using observation, data trending, testing, and OEM documentation.
• Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic faults using appropriate diagnostic tools.
• Respond to breakdowns and emergency calls to restore safe, reliable operation.
• Conduct mechanical and electrical repairs on pilot plant equipment, appliances, and infrastructure systems.
• Complete scheduled Preventive Maintenance Programs (PMs) in accordance with site maintenance programs.
• Support development and refinement of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Maintain CMMS documentation with accurate data and minimal rework.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning system/equipment/components using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment. Work with operators, technicians, engineers, and contractors to troubleshoot problems.
• Monitor and coordinate contractor's activities on site and ensure compliance with NDC Solon's contractor work rules program.
• Interact and participate with project teams as required.
• Participate in cross-training to promote broad knowledge base in equipment, processes, and utility systems.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma (or GED).
• An associate or related technical degree preferred.
• One to five years of related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical power controls operation and repair.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment operation and repair.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues with systems and equipment.
• Working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and test equipment.
• Ability to use machine/equipment manuals and reference books and work independently and as a team.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and instructions.
• Ability to access, use, and update computerized maintenance management systems.
• Read and understand electrical and pneumatic schematics, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD).
• Good interpersonal skills with all positions and levels within the NDC.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy (particularly Microsoft Office).

Benefits

Nestlé is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from veterans and separated service members, recognizing the skills they bring to our team. Additionally, we strive to foster an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities.