Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description The Experienced Mechanical Engineer serves as a key contributor within a regional engineering organization, leading and supporting capital projects across multiple manufacturing plants in North America. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget, while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment and infrastructure. The position combines office-based engineering with hands-on plant support and plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across regional facilities. Responsibilities Lead and support capital projects from concept through installation and startup across multiple manufacturing sites. Develop and execute basic and detailed mechanical designs for machinery, tooling, fixtures, utilities, and industrial pipework systems. Prepare equipment specifications, cost estimates, and capital appropriation requests for new and upgraded equipment and systems. Select and manage suppliers, vendors, and contractors, including coordinating bids, reviewing proposals, and overseeing contracted work. Plan and coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities, ensuring projects meet performance, safety, and quality requirements. Provide hands-on engineering support to manufacturing and maintenance teams, including troubleshooting, optimization, and reliability improvement of production equipment. Design, specify, and support installation and maintenance of plant utilities and piping systems, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards. Develop and review mechanical drawings and layouts using CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent software. Ensure adherence to industrial safety standards, including machine guarding requirements and relevant piping and mechanical codes. Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, purchasing, suppliers, and management to align engineering solutions with business and production needs. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance, reliability, and overall manufacturing efficiency. Participate in project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Support troubleshooting and problem resolution during equipment installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations. Engage with fabrication shops and external partners to ensure designs are manufacturable and installations meet specifications. Travel regionally to plant locations, as needed, to support project execution, equipment installation, and startup. Essential Skills Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing and/or maintenance environment, including experience designing and fabricating industrial machinery or mechanical systems. Strong experience in mechanical engineering and mechanical systems within an industrial setting. Demonstrated experience with plant utilities and industrial piping systems, including specification, design, installation, and maintenance. Proven experience executing capital projects in an industrial environment from concept through installation and startup. Hands-on experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial equipment. Proficiency in mechanical design and fabrication processes for machinery, tooling, fixtures, utilities, and pipework. CAD proficiency with the ability to develop mechanical drawings and layouts using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent tools. Knowledge of industrial safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable piping and mechanical codes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to equipment performance, reliability, and process improvement. Effective project management skills, including planning, organizing, and coordinating multiple projects or tasks. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners. Ability to travel regionally up to 25% to support multi-site projects and plant operations. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working with vendors, contractors, and fabrication shops to execute engineering projects and installations. Experience providing manufacturing support through hands-on troubleshooting and optimization of production equipment. Exposure to PLCs, controls, or electrical systems. Experience with heavy rubber processing machinery, such as mixing, extrusion, vulcanization, or similar equipment. Experience coordinating contractor activities and ensuring alignment with project specifications and safety requirements. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with operations, maintenance, purchasing, suppliers, and leadership. Strong commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement in an industrial environment. Motivation to engage in ongoing training and professional development through available learning resources. Work Environment This role operates within a multi-plant manufacturing environment across North America, combining office-based engineering work with hands-on support on the plant floor. The Mechanical Engineer works in a fast-pace industrial setting with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. The position involves frequent interaction with operations, maintenance teams, contractors, and suppliers to support project execution and day-to-day manufacturing needs. Regional travel, up to approximately 25%, is required to visit different plant locations for project work, equipment installation, and startup support. The work environment includes exposure to industrial equipment, utilities, and piping systems, supported by modern engineering tools and CAD software, and is complemented by comprehensive benefits, paid time off, learning and development resources, and opportunities to contribute to high-impact, multi-site capital projects. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mebane, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $48.00 – $65.00/hr. Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr