Mechanical Engineer

Fleet Mechanical EngineerR-2 Contractors has been a trusted leader in Civil & Underground construction since 2009, specializing in power infrastructure projects nationwide. From renewable energy to major utility work, we deliver expert excavation, grading, trenching, and foundation services that keep communities connected and moving forward. We're building more than infrastructure—we're building a team that pushes limits and stands behind every job we do.R-2 Contractors is seeking a hands-on Fleet Mechanical Engineer to support the continued development, reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle performance of our construction fleet. This position is intended for a teamwork-minded engineer who can work cross-departmentally with Fleet, Operations, Estimating, Project Management, and upper management/leadership. The role may offer part-time remote flexibility, but meaningful time in the shops and on active jobsites is an essential part of the position.Responsibilities:Identify opportunities to modify equipment to improve productivity, safety, reliability, or serviceability.Design custom equipment components, attachments, guards, brackets, platforms, storage systems, hydraulic systems, and other modifications.Develop solutions for recurring field problems where an off-the-shelf solution is unavailable or inadequate.Produce CAD models, drawings, and specifications suitable for fabrication.Determine materials, dimensions, tolerances, fasteners, and fabrication methods.Coordinate prototype fabrication with internal mechanics/fabricators and outside vendors.Field-test prototypes and modify designs based on results.Document final designs so successful modifications can be replicated across the fleet.Evaluate structural loads, stresses, hydraulic requirements, and mechanical forces when appropriate.Ensure modifications do not negatively affect equipment safety, capacity, stability, warranties, or regulatory compliance.Actively identify opportunities to reduce machine cycle times, equipment idle time, material handling, and unnecessary manpower.Improve fueling efficiency, service access, attachment changes, hose routing/protection, guarding, lighting/camera systems, lubrication systems, equipment transportation/setup, and truck payload/body configurations.Develop specialty attachments, mechanic service tooling, and practical automation of repetitive equipment functions where appropriate.Regularly evaluate what is costing R-2 time, money, equipment life, or manpower and determine whether it can be engineered out of the operation.Analyze recurring equipment failures and perform root-cause failure analysis.Develop corrective actions that address causes rather than repeatedly repairing symptoms.Analyze component life, including engines, transmissions, final drives, hydraulic pumps, and undercarriage.Review oil analysis and condition-monitoring information and identify premature component failures.Work with OEMs and dealers on technical issues.Develop equipment-specific maintenance strategies and evaluate preventive and predictive maintenance intervals.Track implemented engineering solutions to determine whether failures are eliminated or reduced.Assist management with repair-versus-replace decisions, equipment specifications, new equipment purchases, attachment selection, standardization, fleet sizing, equipment disposal, and lifecycle-cost analysis.Evaluate equipment based on total lifecycle cost and production—not simply purchase price.Work with field operations, mechanics, and management to develop equipment specifications based on actual operating conditions.Evaluate machine configuration, engine/power requirements, hydraulics, attachments, tires/tracks, undercarriage, guarding, lighting, cameras, telematics, lubrication systems, serviceability, operator features, and safety systems.Help ensure new equipment fits R-2's actual field applications rather than only meeting specifications on paper.Work directly with mechanics to troubleshoot difficult failures and unusual repairs.Interview operators and observe equipment performing actual production work.Measure and document operating conditions and successful solutions.Help mechanics develop specialty tooling and repair procedures.Assist with complex hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical problems.Maintain a hands-on presence in R-2 shops and on active construction jobsites; this is not intended to be a desk-only engineering position.Equipment Scope:Earthmoving: Excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, scrapers, compactors, articulated trucks, and skid steers/CTLs.Vocational Trucks: Dump trucks, water trucks, lowboys, service trucks, lube trucks, and other Class 7/8 equipment.Light Fleet: Pickups, service pickups, and light-duty support vehicles.Support Equipment: Generators, compressors, pumps, light plants, trailers, attachments, and specialty construction equipment.Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to understand mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.CAD design experience and ability to develop fabrication drawings.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently investigate mechanical failures.Ability to communicate effectively with mechanics, operators, superintendents, project teams, and management.Ability to communicate and collaborate cross-departmentally with Fleet, Operations, Estimating, Project Management, and leadership.Willingness to work in shops and active construction environments and travel to R-2 jobsites and shop locations.Ability to manage projects from concept through implementation.Must be a team player, organized, self-driven, and capable of balancing field needs with engineering discipline.Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Able to pass pre-employment drug screen, background check, and a driving record check acceptable to the company's insurance carrier.Desired / Preferred Experience:2-7+ years of heavy-equipment, construction, mining, trucking, agriculture, manufacturing, or OEM/dealer experience.Heavy-equipment hydraulic experience and diesel engine/powertrain knowledge.Welding and fabrication knowledge.SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar CAD experience.FEA or mechanical stress-analysis experience.J1939/CAN-bus familiarity and heavy-equipment telematics experience.Reliability engineering/root-cause analysis experience.Oil-analysis/condition-monitoring and fleet-management software experience.Experience developing prototypes or modifying existing machinery.Demonstrated ability to develop creative mechanical solutions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss equipment, tooling, systems, prototypes, or modifications they have personally designed and implemented.Benefits:Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick LeaveMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) with company match5-Year Employment Appreciation BonusWork Schedule:Schedule will vary based on business, shop, and project needs. Part-time remote work may be possible; regular travel and hands-on time at R-2 shops and project sites are required.Ready to Join Our Team? If you're ready to bring your mechanical engineering expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving skills to a growing heavy civil construction company, apply today and help R-2 engineer better solutions for the field. R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.