Mechanical Project Engineer

Mechanical Project EngineerTech International is an 80+ year old manufacturer and distributor of tire, wheel service, and conveyor belt repair products. Tech operates globally with manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Our values of Honor, Intelligence, Leadership, Teamwork, and Innovation drive how we serve our customers and support our employees.The Mechanical Project Engineer is responsible for leading capital projects, equipment modernization initiatives, automation efforts, and facility improvement programs across manufacturing operations. This position develops and executes projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, reliability, and profitability.The Mechanical Project Engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, Process Engineering, and external suppliers to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and successfully implement projects that support Tech's strategic objectives.Essential ResponsibilitiesCapital Project LeadershipLead capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, justification, budgeting, vendor selection, installation, startup, and project closeout.Develop project schedules and coordinate internal and external resources to ensure timely project execution.Prepare technical specifications, requests for quotation, and equipment procurement packages.Manage equipment installations and startup activities while minimizing disruption to production operations.Equipment Design and ImprovementDesign, evaluate, and improve manufacturing equipment, tooling, material handling systems, and production processes.Evaluate existing equipment performance and develop solutions to improve safety, reliability, throughput, and maintainability.Develop machine modifications and process improvements to support new products, increased demand, and changing operational requirements.Utilize CAD and engineering tools to develop concepts, layouts, and technical documentation.Automation and Technology AdvancementIdentify opportunities to reduce manual labor, improve consistency, and increase throughput through automation and technology improvements.Lead automation projects involving machine controls, robotics, vision systems, sensors, data collection systems, and related technologies.Evaluate emerging technologies and manufacturing best practices for application within Tech operations.Safety and ComplianceEnsure all project work complies with OSHA, NFPA, environmental, and company safety requirements.Participate in machine safety assessments and risk reduction activities.Support facility and process safety initiatives involving manufacturing equipment and systems.Reliability and Operational SupportPartner with Maintenance and Operations to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.Support development of preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts programs, and equipment standards.Provide technical support during troubleshooting of complex equipment issues.Continuous ImprovementSupport initiatives that improve productivity, labor utilization, material utilization, equipment uptime, and manufacturing cost performance.Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.Assist in establishing engineering standards and best practices across global operations.Technology and AI UtilizationLeverage approved AI tools as part of standard work practices to improve productivity, decision quality, project planning, technical analysis, documentation quality, and execution discipline.Maintain full accountability for all engineering recommendations, designs, analyses, and project outcomes regardless of AI-assisted activities.Adhere to all company policies regarding data security, confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and AI governance.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.Five or more years of manufacturing, project engineering, or capital project experience preferred.Experience with industrial equipment design, installation, and startup.Demonstrated project management and vendor management experience.Proficiency with CAD software.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.Experience in manufacturing environments involving rubber, adhesives, chemicals, or industrial products preferred.Success MeasuresSuccess in this role will be measured by:Project execution performance.Capital project ROI achievement.Automation implementation results.Equipment reliability improvements.Safety performance.Capacity expansion achievements.Productivity and cost reduction results.