Mechanical & Project Engineer

Job Summary

The Project Engineer/Mechanical Engineer independently applies mechanical engineering principles to the design, development, and testing of mechanical components and systems while simultaneously initiating, planning, and executing projects within the GPDS framework. This role requires a strong understanding of plastic part design, CAE, relevant regulations and industry standards, photometric and physical testing, and metrology. The Project Engineer/Mechanical Engineer also applies APQP methodologies, contributes to project financial statements, and collaborates with cross-functional teams and management to ensure successful project execution and product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead Project Planning & Execution:Initiate and review project plans, ensuring adherence to standardized checklists within the GPDS framework and applying APQP methodologies throughout the project lifecycle, including leading core team meetings.
• Mechanical Engineering Design & Analysis:Independently apply mechanical engineering principles to design and analyze mechanical components and systems. This includes designing plastic parts with consideration for material selection, manufacturability (e.g., injection molding), and assembly requirements.
• Advanced Engineering Tools:Utilize CAE tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) to perform simulations and analyses, and apply metrology techniques and equipment to perform dimensional analysis and ensure design specifications are met.
• Testing & Validation:Participate in the creation and execution of Design Verification Plans (DVPs), developing test plans, and analyzing results. Plan and execute photometric testing of products (if applicable) and physical testing of mechanical components and systems to validate design performance, analyzing results and ensuring compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance:Apply relevant regulations and industry standards to ensure designs meet safety and performance requirements.
• Project Financials & Collaboration:Contribute to the preparation and presentation of project financial statements, including budget tracking and variance analysis. Work with management to obtain support and priorities from functional departments (e.g., manufacturing, quality, purchasing) for project activities.
• Problem Solving & Documentation:Resolve mechanical design and project-related issues, implementing effective solutions and escalating as necessary. Create and maintain detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, design specifications, test plans, validation reports, and financial summaries.
• Communication & Improvement:Communicate project status, risks, and issues to the project team, management, and stakeholders. Follow and improve established engineering and project management processes and procedures.
• Cross-functional Leadership:Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development, manage the implementation of engineering changes and design updates, and coordinate project activities with suppliers and vendors, including managing timelines and deliverables.
• Risk Management:Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Reporting:Monitor and report on the progress of both mechanical engineering tasks and overall project engineering activities within project schedules.

Competencies

• Project Management Application
• Mechanical Engineering Application
• Proficient CAD Skills
• CAE Application (Intermediate)
• Knowledge of Regulations and Standards
• Physical Testing and Analysis
• Metrology Application (Intermediate)
• Problem Solving (Advanced)
• Effective Communication
• Team Leadership (Intermediate)
• Financial Management (Basic)
• Risk Management (Basic)
• Technical Proficiency (Mechanical)

Education, Experience, Training, Certifications, and Licenses

• Education:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience:5-7 years of combined experience in mechanical engineering design and development, with at least 2-3 years in project engineering or relevant leadership roles.
• Training:Training in advanced project management techniques, GPDS, APQP, DVP, financial management principles, advanced CAD techniques, intermediate CAE tools, plastic part design, relevant regulations and standards, photometric testing (if applicable), physical testing methodologies, and metrology.
• Certifications & Licenses:Project Management Professional (PMP) certification may be preferred or in progress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge:Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, material science, and manufacturing processes, including plastic part design and injection molding. Strong working knowledge of project management methodologies, GPDS, APQP, DVP, CAE tools, relevant regulations, industry standards, photometric testing (if applicable), physical testing methodologies, and metrology. Understanding of financial statements and project budgeting.
• Skills:Proficient project planning and execution skills. Ability to use relevant project management software. Proficiency in CAD software. Ability to perform CAE simulations and interpret results. Ability to apply relevant regulations and standards. Ability to plan and execute physical tests and analyze data. Ability to use metrology equipment. Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Abilities:Ability to independently design and analyze mechanical components and systems. Ability to effectively manage project activities and timelines. Ability to analyze project data and identify trends. Ability to solve complex mechanical design and project problems. Ability to communicate technical and project information effectively to diverse stakeholders. Ability to work and lead effectively in cross-functional teams. Ability to identify and mitigate project risks.