Mechanical Process Engineer

About the role

Join a team that turns abstract ideas into realities by collaborating with industry experts to develop solutions for mission-critical challenges. These include NASA’s return to the moon, the DoD’s national security initiatives, international automotive manufacturers’ development of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and the DoE’s energy research. The role focuses on tackling challenges in emerging technologies, cyber, intelligence, space exploration, energy transformation, and resiliency to ensure national security.

The Group specializes in designing, constructing, and operating unique and complex research and development facilities such as wind tunnels (aerospace, automotive, and motorsports), rocket test stands, climatic chambers, jet engine test cells, acoustic chambers, altitude test facilities, captive trajectory systems, and nuclear facilities. Projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets, with recent clients including Audi, Boeing, BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Honda, General Motors, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Energy, Volkswagen, and confidential F1 motorsports clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.

This position offers the opportunity to lead and manage projects as part of a multi-discipline team, working in a dynamic, challenging, and collaborative environment. Most designs are unique, and you will typically work on several projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams to develop new designs for process systems supporting automotive and aerospace research and test facilities.
• Take ownership of the technical schedule and budget performance for assigned work.
• Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate engineering work, including selecting and adapting techniques, procedures, and criteria under the direction of a senior engineer.
• Analyze work features and apply sound engineering principles and practices.
• Review task results for completeness, correctness, and adequate documentation.
• Develop technical reports and presentations for project management and clients.
• Formally check the work of others for completeness.
• Collaborate closely with structural, machine design, controls, instrumentation, and aerodynamics/fluid dynamics engineers.
• Size and specify piping/ducting and components, including compressors, pumps, fans, valves, flow measurement, and fluid conditioning equipment.
• Design high-pressure cryogenic and pneumatic piping systems, high-temperature systems (including steam), refrigeration, vacuum, and fuel systems, and specialty HVAC systems and components.
• Work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Support the Project Manager and Senior Engineer in ongoing design efforts.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and design reviews with team members and clients.
• Gather information, interview stakeholders, perform calculations, and prepare rough layouts and sketches as required.
• Provide installation support and supervision, working with suppliers, subcontractors, and other trades from the office and project sites.
• Create engineering calculations and specifications, and oversee the creation of engineering drawings.
• Travel to support design reviews, attend factory acceptance testing, provide construction support, and assist with startup/commissioning activities at job sites.
• Participate in proposal development and support marketing activities.
• Perform fieldwork, including climbing on test stands and working around machinery.
• Work independently and as part of a multi-disciplined team to meet project budgets and schedules.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience or 2–3 years of engineering experience with an MS degree from an accredited engineering school.
• Prior design experience with process systems is preferred.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with common process piping systems.
• Strong mechanical and process engineering analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High ethical values, strong commitment to self-development, teamwork, and a desire to work in a dynamic environment.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to federal requirements for portions of the assigned work.
• Experience managing scope, schedule, and budget of individual projects.
• Design experience, including layout of process drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.1, B31.3, and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid flow (compressible and incompressible), thermal sciences, and process systems.
• Experience in design and/or maintenance of mechanical process systems is preferred but not required.

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• FE/EIT certification.
• Previous experience with DOE nuclear, DoD, NASA, or test facilities.
• Software experience: AutoCAD, AutoPipe, Caesar II, Mathcad, Creo, AFT.

Essential Functions and Work Environment

• Office and computer-based work for 80–90% of the time.
• Occasional site visits requiring access to construction and project sites, including upper and lower levels (10–20% of time).
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Fieldwork may require special clothing/equipment and PPE (15% of time).
• Work environment is primarily indoors (80–90%), with some outdoor fieldwork (10–20%).
• Travel to project sites or customer meetings (10–20%).
• Use of office equipment (computers, fax, telephones, copiers) for 80–90% of the time; handheld equipment (e.g., measurement tools, cameras) during site visits (10–20%).
• Regular day shift attendance is mandatory; occasional overtime may be required (10–20%).
• Hybrid work arrangement possible for proven performers, depending on project responsibilities.

Pay

$90,000 – $100,000 per year. The compensation range is a good-faith estimate and may vary based on job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k) matching.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax-saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.