Mechanical Project Engineer

Project Engineer            
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Reports to:    Director of Engineering                   Department: Engineering
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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.