Mechanical Process Engineer

Job Description

Mechanical Process Engineer

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Location: Indianapolis, IN

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Compensation: $75,000–$110,000 base salary, based on experience, plus bonus opportunity

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About the Opportunity

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An established advanced materials manufacturer is seeking a Mechanical Process Engineer to support its growing metal powder production operations. This position supports atomization—the process of converting molten metal into powder used in demanding industrial applications.

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This role combines hands-on equipment troubleshooting, manufacturing process improvement, and capital project execution. Approximately 70% of the position is spent on the production floor, with the remaining time focused on engineering analysis, project planning, equipment upgrades, and documentation.

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The engineer will collaborate closely with maintenance, production, and other engineers to resolve recurring issues and improve equipment reliability, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
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• Provide hands-on technical support to production and maintenance teams, investigating equipment problems and implementing lasting corrective actions.
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• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems in partnership with technicians and other engineering resources.
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• Support equipment such as furnaces, spray dryers, powder screening systems, and associated production equipment.
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• Identify, evaluate, and implement equipment upgrades that improve manufacturing performance and reliability.
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• Manage small to medium capital improvement projects, including equipment sourcing, project scope, budgets, contractor coordination, safety, installation, and startup.
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• Perform hands-on repairs, testing, and validation of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes.
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• Analyze production and equipment data to address quality issues, downtime, and efficiency losses.
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• Develop and maintain manufacturing routings, standard operating procedures, work instructions, preventive maintenance documentation, spare parts information, and process and instrumentation diagrams.
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• Oversee Management of Change (MOC) activities for projects within assigned areas.
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• Partner with operators to ensure procedures are followed and provide technical guidance and mentoring.
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• Communicate project timelines, production performance, and open or resolved issues to plant leadership.
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Required Qualifications

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• Associate degree in a related engineering or engineering technology discipline with at least 3 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related engineering or engineering technology field with at least 1 year of relevant experience.
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• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment involving hands-on equipment support and process improvement.
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• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to apply engineering principles directly on the production floor.
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• Experience troubleshooting production equipment and identifying root causes of recurring problems.
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• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while responding to daily production needs.
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• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with engineers, maintenance technicians, operators, and contractors.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using production data to guide improvement efforts.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience in aerospace, automotive, metals processing, or another equipment-intensive manufacturing environment.
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• Familiarity with atomization, metal powder production, furnaces, spray dryers, or screening equipment.
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• Knowledge of PLCs, equipment controllers, and industrial control systems.
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• Experience managing capital projects from planning through installation and startup.
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• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, AutoCAD, and statistical analysis software such as Minitab.
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• Experience with Management of Change procedures and equipment documentation.
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What the Company Offers

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• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunity.
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• Medical benefits, a 401(k), pension plan, and life insurance.
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• A clean, climate-controlled manufacturing facility.
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• A collaborative engineering team and a work environment that encourages ownership and independent problem-solving.
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• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a large, established organization.
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• A position created through growth, with opportunities to make a direct impact on manufacturing operations.
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