Mechanical Process Engineer

Mechanical Process Engineer

Location: Indianapolis, IN

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

About the Opportunity

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.

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.

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment involving hands-on equipment support and process improvement.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to apply engineering principles directly on the production floor.
• Experience troubleshooting production equipment and identifying root causes of recurring problems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while responding to daily production needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with engineers, maintenance technicians, operators, and contractors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using production data to guide improvement efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

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

What the Company Offers

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