Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Mechanical Systems

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and validation of custom mechanical and structural systems used in advanced wind tunnel and ground test environments. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking concepts from early design through analysis, documentation, fabrication support, installation, and commissioning.

About the role

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will help design and validate custom mechanical systems and equipment for new facilities, major upgrades, and complex test environments. This is a hybrid position based in Saint Paul, MN, and is a Contract to Hire opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical subsystems for custom engineered equipment and facility upgrades, including:
  • Welded steel structures
  • Pressure vessels
  • Piping systems
  • Mechanical mechanisms
  • Rotating equipment
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Fuel systems
  • Cooling water systems
  • Process equipment
• Perform FEA and supporting calculations to validate mechanical and structural designs.
• Develop design criteria, calculation packages, procurement specifications, technical reports, and verification plans.
• Collaborate with designers to create accurate drawings, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.
• Review designs for manufacturability, performance, safety, and customer requirements.
• Support procurement and subcontractor coordination when components or systems are outsourced.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews.
• Provide technical support to fabrication, procurement, assembly, installation, and commissioning teams.
• Assist with vendor selection, quality review, site surveys, and equipment installation.
• Coordinate with project managers, chief engineers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support future project proposals through technical concepts, cost estimates, and written proposal content.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, systems engineering, or design engineering.
• Experience with large industrial equipment, complex mechanical systems, or facility-based engineering projects.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for mechanical design (SolidWorks preferred, but other platforms considered).
• Strong FEA experience for mechanical and structural analysis (ANSYS preferred, or similar software).
• Experience designing and analyzing welded steel structures.
• Experience with fluid/process systems including valves, filters, pumps, instrumentation, and piping.
• Knowledge of fabrication methods such as forming, welding, machining, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with pressure vessels and piping systems using applicable codes such as B31.3, PED, or similar standards.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering documentation standards.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, typically less than 10%.
• Must meet US Person requirements based on applicable security requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace engineering environments
• Wind tunnel or ground test facilities
• Large industrial equipment
• Custom mechanical equipment
• High-temperature systems
• Mechanical test systems
• Pressure vessels and process piping
• Structural analysis and mechanical substantiation
• Advanced manufacturing environments
• New facility development or major facility upgrades
• Experience with high-temperature environments above approximately 2000°F
• Transient heat transfer analysis
• Cooling method design
• High-temperature materials such as superalloys, ceramics, or thermal barrier coatings
• Understanding of subsonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aerodynamics
• Experience with FMEA, HAZOP, safety risk assessments, or similar risk analysis methods
• Ability to lead or contribute to customer-facing design reviews
• Experience supporting technical proposal development

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 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)

Pay

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00 per hour.