Mechanical Project Engineer

Project Engineer         

________________________________________________________________________________

Reports to:    Director of Engineering                   Department: Engineering

________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and launch of new products while managing cross-functional projects from concept through production. This position combines strong engineering design capabilities with project management leadership to deliver innovative, high-quality products that meet customer, regulatory, manufacturing, and business requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical product design, engineering analysis, new product development, and project leadership within a manufacturing environment.

**Essential Responsibilities

Product Design & Development**

• Lead the design and development of medium to complex products from concept through production launch.

• Create and review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.

• Develop products such as valves, fluid handling components, electromechanical devices, automotive components, industrial equipment, or other engineered products.

• Apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.

• Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.

• Utilize analytical tools including:

o    Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

o    Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

o    Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis

o    Thermal Analysis

o    Fatigue and Stress Analysis

o    Design of Experiments (DOE)

o    Root Cause Analysis

o    Statistical Analysis and Validation Methods

• Lead prototype development, testing, validation, and design refinement activities.

• Support manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams during product launch and production.

New Product Development

• Lead projects through a structured New Product Development (NPD) process.

• Facilitate design reviews and technical reviews throughout development.

• Develop and maintain:

o    Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)

o    Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R)

o    Risk Assessments

o    Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

o    Design for Assembly (DFA)

o    Product Validation Plans

• Ensure designs comply with applicable customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.

• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation plans.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional project teams from concept through production implementation.

• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and action item lists.

• Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software.

• Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status to stakeholders and leadership.

• Drive accountability and timely completion of project deliverables.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and resources.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with:

o    Manufacturing Engineering

o    Quality Engineering

o    Operations

o    Procurement

o    Suppliers

o    Customers

o    Sales and Marketing

o    Executive Leadership

• Coordinate supplier development activities related to new product launches.

• Support customer meetings, technical presentations, and product demonstrations as required.

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in product design, product development, or manufacturing engineering.

• Proven experience leading engineering projects from concept through production launch.

• Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software.

• Experience with engineering analysis tools including FEA and tolerance analysis.

• Experience with structured New Product Development processes.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Preferred

• Experience with valves, pressure systems, fluid handling products, automotive components, or industrial products.

• Experience with die cast, machined, molded, and assembled products.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project leadership experience.

• Experience with supplier development and manufacturing launch activities.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and design controls.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong technical design capability.

• Excellent project planning and execution skills.

• Effective communication and leadership.

• Ability to drive projects to completion.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High sense of ownership and accountability.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.