Mechanical Engineer

The Mechanical Engineer reports to the VP of Operations & Quality and is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting production operations. This role is hands‑on and cross‑functional, working closely with production, quality, maintenance, and leadership to drive continuous improvement and ensure product quality. The position may require travel to suppliers and frequent visits to Lamotte’s Newark, DE facility. This role works closely with the facility maintenance team analyzing and improving overall equipment efficiency. Job Responsibilities: Primary Responsibilities Ensures engineering team members, contractors, and other maintenance related individuals work safely and comply with all applicable safe work practices/procedures. Keeps equipment relevant to market trends by upgrading PLCs, controls, and automation to improve overall efficiency. Develop strategic equipment planning for future business budget preparation. Works directly with new equipment manufacturers following LaMotte’s Operational Excellence program: Develop equipment specifications. Approves mechanical drawings. Resolves any issues. Develops and conducts Factory and Site Acceptance Testing when equipment is completed. Manages and participates in equipment installation, start up, and testing. Trains LaMotte’s equipment operators and Maintenance team on the operation and care of equipment. Troubleshoots and addresses equipment failures/issues. Aids in the development of equipment preventative maintenance (PM) practices and spare part stocking levels. Assures that LaMotte proprietary automation equipment operates, has spare parts, and that maintenance personnel are trained on robotics, vision systems, controls, and custom human machine interfaces (HMIs). Attends daily production and weekly Operations & Quality Leadership Team meetings. Ensures that all LaMotte specific humidity requirements are met for high control environmental rooms, and that all monitoring equipment properly detects out of specification conditions within the LaMotte Building Management Alarm System. Leads and participates in Kaizen events as needed to obtain step-function improvements in performance or cost reduction. Identifies, develops, justifies, plans, and implements capital projects to improve equipment facility, business growth, and facilities reliability and performance, without compromising LaMotte specific environmental specifications. Works with R&D, QA, and Operations, investigates problematic production processes and/or products using Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, DOE and other sound engineering techniques. This may be done independently or as part of a team. Conducts oneself professionally and leads by example. Maintains confidentiality of company information and personnel information. Performs other duties as assigned. Able to manage multiple priorities in a challenging environment. Strong diligence and commitment to integrity. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Physical Requirements Ability to lift, move, or transport up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks. Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, lab coat and, as needed, a chemical respirator. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering in the field with chemical, mechanical, electrical, or industrial preferred. 5-10 years’ experience with automated equipment, PLC, and hands‑on experience. Certifications are a plus. 2+ years of experience leadership experience with electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems Prior leadership, team lead, or mentoring experience preferred. Additional Requirements Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical instructions, manuals, and engineering documentation Experience with building construction, equipment installation, and facility modifications Working knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles and techniques Automation experience, with the ability to learn and support LaMotte-specific automation controls for customized production equipment Ability to service, monitor, and maintain low‑humidity controlled environments to ensure product quality and process stability Strong ability to work independently, follow guidance, and execute tasks with minimal supervision Notifies Supervisors/Managers of any production, equipment, safety, personnel problems, etc., and cooperates in resolving such issues as well. For example, requests assistance when systems prevent the efficient performance of duties or when a system fails. Provides Supervisors/Managers with feedback to determine where additional training would benefit and obtain additional training, as necessary. Floats to and works in other manufacturing areas as needed. Complies with all company policies (i.e., personnel, safety, etc.). Environmental Factors & Mental / Physical Demands Works indoors in a temperature‑controlled laboratory environment with routine exposure to chemicals, powders, and testing solutions (training and PPE provided). May occasionally perform tasks inside a fume hood or near ventilation equipment. Requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs. as part of normal laboratory and material‑handling activities. Must be able to visually distinguish colors for tests involving color changes or comparison. Requires the ability to focus on detailed tasks, follow written procedures, and maintain accuracy during repetitive testing. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include a chemical respirator depending on the task. Work-life and Culture: LaMotte Company, a 100+ year-old global industry leader in developing and manufacturing premier water analysis solutions, operating in Newark, DE, Chestertown, MD and Warwick, UK. Our products are used around the world to accurately, quickly, and conveniently test water in a multitude of applications. LaMotte relies on the success of our employees and are committed to supporting their growth. We offer competitive pay, along with performance-based increases. LaMotte offers a range of different shifts such as mornings, afternoons, evenings, and 12‑hour shifts between both facilities to fit employee’s needs. LaMotte offers paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. We have several employee events including holiday events, employee appreciation events, community events, employee engagement, etc. Full‑time employees, who regularly work at least 30 hours per week, are eligible for employer‑provided insurance including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and supplemental insurance. Full‑time employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) plan with an employer match available. LaMotte is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr LaMotte Company