Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location: Graniteville, SC, USA
Compensation" USD $70,000 - $130,000
Relocation: Yes
Sponsorship Availability: No
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our client's team. In this role, you will lead mechanical engineering initiatives, oversee major capital projects, and drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing facilities. You will be responsible for the research, design, implementation, and optimization of mechanical systems, equipment, and auxiliary utilities. The ideal candidate blends deep technical expertise with proven project management skills to enhance facility safety, reliability, scrap reduction, and operational throughput.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Technical Leadership
- Serve as the primary mechanical engineering expert within the manufacturing environment, offering technical guidance to manufacturing, maintenance, and operational teams.
- Research, plan, design, develop, and implement complex mechanical systems, production equipment, and automated manufacturing processes.
- Provide ongoing engineering support for production machinery, utility infrastructure, and auxiliary facilities systems.
- Analyze equipment performance metrics to identify opportunities to enhance safety, reliability, efficiency, quality, and throughput.
- Perform complex troubleshooting, root cause analysis (RCA), and implement permanent corrective actions for critical equipment failures.
- Provide engineering input into the design, modification, and integration of new equipment, systems, and technologies.
Project Management & Capital Execution
- Lead major capital and continuous improvement projects ranging from $50K to $1M+, including new machine installations, line modifications, and technology upgrades.
- Define project scopes, develop detailed budgets, establish schedules, and drive execution plans from conception through closeout.
- Manage procurement workflow: draft Requests for Proposals (RFQs), evaluate vendor bids, submit capital expenditure (CapEx) requests, and track cost performance against budget.
- Coordinate internal cross-functional teams and external engineering/contractor resources to ensure on-time, within-budget, and high-quality deliverables.
- Direct on-site equipment installation, system integration, startup testing, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and formal project handovers.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Champion a strong safety-first culture by integrating safety parameters and machine safeguarding into all engineering designs and activities.
- Lead and participate in risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and regulatory compliance audits.
- Ensure all projects and equipment modifications strictly comply with company standards, OSHA/regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Manage and enforce contractor safety and quality compliance during on-site execution.
Continuous Improvement & Reliability
- Lead reliability improvement initiatives and root-cause corrective action projects with a heavy focus on scrap reduction, waste elimination, downtime reduction, and process optimization.
- Utilize engineering principles and data analysis to track equipment trends, reduce operational losses, and optimize total cost of ownership.
- Support the advancement of Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Maintenance (PdM) programs (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, lubrication management).
- Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operational goals.
Key Qualifications & Requirements
CategoryRequirementEducationBachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
Experience5–8+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Capital ProjectsProven track record managing capital projects ($50K–$1M+) including scope creation, vendor selection, budget tracking, and installation.
Technical SkillsProficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar); deep knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermal systems.
MethodologiesPractical experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Root Cause Analysis / 5 Whys / Fishbone).
ComplianceStrong working knowledge of industrial safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, machine guarding, LOTO).
Soft SkillsExcellent project management, communication, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management skills.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Fast-paced manufacturing plant floor environment paired with standard office settings.
- Exposure to operational machinery, noise, heat, and active installation sites.
- Occasional physical activity including walking plant floors, climbing platforms, and inspecting equipment spaces.
- Travel requirements: [0% – 15% as needed for equipment factory acceptance testing (FAT) or vendor visits]