Mechanical Design Engineer

The Design Engineer is responsible for supporting the design and engineering of custom piping, fluid handling, strainers, pressure vessels, and related fabricated equipment from initial quotation through final engineering. This hands-on role develops engineering models, drawings, bills of materials, and design calculations while ensuring compliance with applicable industry Codes and Standards. The Design Engineer works closely with Sales, Customers, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Vendors to evaluate technical requirements, resolve engineering issues, support accurate quotations, and successfully transition designs into procurement and production. This position requires strong mechanical design capabilities, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage engineering assignments in a collaborative manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Review customer specifications, technical requirements, and project information during the quotation process to evaluate scope, design feasibility, and potential engineering requirements

Design custom strainers, pressure vessels, piping assemblies, and related fluid handling equipment in accordance with applicable industry Codes and Standards

Independently develop and maintain engineering models and drawings, including layouts, outlines, P&IDs, detail drawings, and other technical documentation using SolidWorks and AutoCAD

Perform and verify engineering design calculations for oil and lube, chilled water, potable and fresh water, aqueous foam, and other applicable fluid systems

Interpret customer requirements and translate technical specifications into practical engineering designs that meet performance, manufacturing, and applicable code requirements

Support the preparation of accurate cost estimates and competitive quotations by developing material takeoffs, estimating engineering hours, and providing technical input to Sales

Create and maintain item masters, bills of materials, and related engineering information within the ERP/MRP system to support accurate procurement and production planning

Collaborate with Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Vendors to resolve engineering questions, clarify technical requirements, and ensure designs can be effectively manufactured and procured

Serve as a technical resource for Customers and internal stakeholders by providing engineering guidance, addressing design questions, and communicating technical requirements clearly

Participate in project meetings, customer discussions, design reviews, and other technical meetings as required to support successful project execution

Review completed designs and engineering documentation for accuracy, completeness, manufacturability, and compliance with applicable requirements

Apply appropriate materials and fabrication methods based on project requirements, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and common alloy materials used in fabricated equipment

Support engineering changes and design revisions by evaluating technical impacts and updating drawings, models, bills of materials, and related documentation

Maintain organized and accurate engineering documentation throughout the design and project lifecycle

Identify potential design, manufacturing, material, or technical issues early and work with appropriate stakeholders to develop practical solutions

Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, design practices, documentation, and workflow efficiency

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology required

Minimum 3 years of experience in piping design, PVF, fabricated equipment, fluid handling equipment, or related engineering experience preferred; relevant co-op or internship experience may be considered for entry-level candidates

Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, including 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation

Working knowledge of piping, fittings, valves, strainers, and related PVF components

Working knowledge of carbon steel, stainless steel, and common alloy materials used in fabricated equipment

Experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage item masters, bills of materials, and engineering or order-related information

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Ability to read and interpret technical customer specifications and engineering documentation

Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment and collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, sales, customers, and vendors

Infrequent domestic travel required, primarily to manufacturing or customer locations in the Cleveland, Ohio area

Due to the nature of the work and applicable U.S. export control requirements, U.S. citizenship is required

Special Requirements:

Demonstrated ability to independently manage engineering assignments while maintaining accuracy, quality, and project deadlines

Ability to work effectively in a hands-on manufacturing and fabrication environment

Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate engineering documentation and design work

Ability to evaluate technical requirements, identify potential design issues, and develop practical engineering solutions

Ability to balance engineering requirements with manufacturability, material availability, cost, schedule, and customer requirements

Ability to communicate technical information clearly with both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders

Ability to manage multiple engineering priorities and assignments while maintaining appropriate follow-up and documentation

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of applicable engineering Codes, Standards, materials, and design practices

Ability to participate professionally in customer meetings, technical discussions, and project reviews

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong mechanical design and engineering fundamentals

Strong knowledge of piping systems, fittings, valves, strainers, and related PVF components

Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, including 3D modeling, layouts, assemblies, and detail drawings

Ability to develop and interpret P&IDs, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and other technical documentation

Ability to perform, review, and verify engineering design calculations

Working knowledge of pressure vessels, piping assemblies, and fabricated fluid handling equipment

Knowledge of carbon steel, stainless steel, and common alloy materials used in fabricated equipment

Ability to interpret customer specifications and translate technical requirements into engineering designs

Working knowledge of applicable engineering Codes and Standards, including ASME, API, ASTM, and related industry standards

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and the ability to create and maintain item masters and bills of materials

Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate technical issues and identify appropriate solutions

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to communicate effectively with Customers, Sales, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, Vendors, and other stakeholders

Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple engineering assignments and deadlines

Ability to understand manufacturing, fabrication, welding, and machining considerations as they relate to engineered equipment

Ability to apply engineering knowledge to support quoting, procurement, manufacturing, and project execution

Commitment to maintaining accurate, organized, and complete engineering documentation

Additional Desired Characteristics:

Demonstrates accountability and takes ownership of engineering assignments and design outcomes

Proactively identifies potential design, manufacturing, material, or technical issues and works to resolve them before they affect project execution

Demonstrates strong learning agility and the ability to develop knowledge of new products, systems, materials, Codes, Standards, and engineering practices

Maintains a results-oriented approach with a strong focus on design accuracy, quality, manufacturability, and meeting project requirements

Demonstrates effective information-seeking and problem-solving skills when technical requirements or design issues are unclear

Builds trust through clear communication, responsiveness, technical competence, and timely follow-up

Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability when working with changing customer requirements, project priorities, and engineering assignments

Demonstrates confidence when participating in technical discussions with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders

Works cooperatively across Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, Quality, Manufacturing, and other functions to support successful project execution

Demonstrates an interest in understanding fabricated equipment, fluid handling systems, manufacturing processes, and customer applications

Demonstrates a practical approach to engineering that considers design requirements, manufacturability, cost, materials, schedule, and customer expectations

Maintains a commitment to continuous technical learning and professional development