Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer (Mechanical Emphasis)Job Description

This entry-level Process Engineer role focuses on supporting a petroleum pilot plant from concept through operation. The engineer processes data compilations, generates detailed reports, supports laboratory-scale chemical and petroleum experiments, and participates directly in pilot plant operations. This position offers the opportunity to work on projects from start to finish and see designs come to life in a hands-on refinery and plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Compile, process, and analyze data from petroleum pilot plant runs and transform findings into clear, comprehensive reports.
• Work closely with plant operators to generate and optimize product blends based on test results and process requirements.
• Use MS Office applications to create reports, track data, and document experimental and operational findings.
• Design and update process-related drawings and documentation using AutoCAD, Autoplant, and SolidWorks as required.
• Support projects by planning, setting up, and executing chemical and petroleum laboratory-scale experiments.
• Build, assemble, and prepare test equipment and pilot-scale systems according to process requirements and P&ID and BOM documentation.
• Compile, interpret, and report test data, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and clear communication of results.
• Participate in the operation of the chemical pilot plant, including start-up, normal operation, and shutdown activities.
• Troubleshoot pilot plant equipment and processes, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist with installation of new equipment and modifications to existing systems to support pilot plant operations and projects.
• Support maintenance and turnaround activities, helping ensure equipment reliability and safe, efficient operation.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of safety procedures and operating instructions for pilot plant activities.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including proper labeling, handling, and documentation.
• Perform cleanup and housekeeping tasks in the plant and laboratory to maintain a safe, organized work area.
• Work routinely with pumps, heat trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals in day-to-day operations.
• Lead and guide operators on shifts, providing direction on tasks, procedures, and safety practices.
• Apply mechanical aptitude to hands-on work, including building process setups and working directly with equipment in the plant.
• Use thermodynamics and heat transfer principles to perform thermo calculations and support process design and troubleshooting.
• Apply knowledge of fluid flow, equipment sizing, and process simulation to support pilot plant design and optimization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform hands-on work in a plant and refinery setting.
• Ability to multi-task and complete thermodynamic calculations while also building and working with process equipment.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and report generation.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Autoplant, and SolidWorks for process and equipment design.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals, including thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and process simulation.
• Experience or coursework related to chemical manufacturing and petroleum processes.
• Ability to read and work with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Troubleshooting skills for pumps, heat-traced systems, and other process equipment.
• Flexibility to work shift schedules as required by pilot plant operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a pilot plant, refinery, or chemical manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Comfort working with high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals.
• Ability to lead and coordinate operators on shifts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail in data compilation, reporting, and documentation.
• Interest in seeing engineering design progress from concept to operation in a real-world plant environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply safety procedures and operating instructions in a practical setting.

Work Environment

The role combines desk-based engineering work with hands-on activities in a plant and refinery setting. Time is split between using MS Office and design tools such as AutoCAD, Autoplant, and SolidWorks at a workstation and working directly in a chemical pilot plant environment. Day-to-day work in the plant involves pumps, heat trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals, as well as participation in equipment installation, maintenance, and turnaround activities. The position requires flexibility for shift work and comfort in an industrial environment where safety procedures and operating instructions are closely followed. Employees have access to benefits, 6 days of holiday pay, and 5 days of PTO, making this a strong opportunity for an entry-level engineer to gain comprehensive industry experience and see their designs come to life.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Antonio, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $39.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Antonio,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.