Lead Mechanical Engineer

TRS Staffing Solutions; Blaine (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

TRS Staffing Solutions seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to guide refinery and industrial capital projects, balancing technical leadership with hands-on engineering activities. The role entails leading a portfolio of capital, reliability, maintenance, and improvement projects while coordinating with operations, maintenance, and construction teams.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with process piping, fixed and rotating equipment, and refinery or petrochemical facilities, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in refinery, petrochemical, or heavy industrial settings.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and project-management capabilities are essential.
• Proven ability to coordinate across operations, maintenance, construction, and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering activities for refinery and industrial projects.
• Ensure designs comply with ASME B31.1, B31.3, Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, API, NBIC.
• Develop scopes, estimates, material take-offs and execution plans.
• Review piping layouts, isometrics, specs, vendor packages, and BOMs.
• Provide field support, site walkdowns, and startup/commissioning input.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Verbal & written comms

Independent work

Project coordination

Client-facing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Overview

TRS Staffing Solutions is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to support refinery and industrial capital projects in the Pacific Northwest. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineering professional looking to combine technical leadership, project execution, and client interaction while remaining hands-on with engineering activities. The successful candidate will lead a portfolio of capital, reliability, maintenance, and operational improvement projects supporting an active industrial facility. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with process piping, fixed equipment, rotating equipment, and refinery or petrochemical facilities. This role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to mentor engineering teams, and experience coordinating closely with operations, maintenance, construction, and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering & Design

• Lead mechanical engineering activities for refinery and industrial projects.
• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with applicable industry codes and standards including:
  • ASME B31.1
  • ASME B31.3
  • ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code
  • API Standards
  • NBIC requirements
• Perform and review engineering calculations and design documentation.
• Prepare and review mechanical construction packages.
• Develop and review equipment and piping technical specifications.

Piping & Equipment Engineering

• Provide technical leadership for process piping systems and fixed equipment.
• Support the procurement, modification, repair, and installation of mechanical equipment.
• Prepare and review:
  • Equipment data sheets
  • Technical specifications
  • Vendor bid packages
  • Mechanical design documentation
• Review piping layouts, isometrics, section views, support details, and specialty piping components.
• Evaluate welding procedures, non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements, coatings, insulation systems, and material selections.

Project Leadership

• Lead mechanical engineering execution for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Participate in project prioritization and resource planning meetings.
• Develop scopes of work, estimates, material take-offs, and execution plans.
• Monitor project progress and ensure schedule commitments are achieved.
• Coordinate engineering activities across multiple disciplines.

Construction & Field Support

• Perform field walkdowns and site evaluations.
• Support construction activities and installation planning.
• Conduct final mechanical acceptance walkdowns.
• Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
• Communicate directly with contractors and project teams during design and installation phases.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Supervise and mentor Mechanical Engineers.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and quality reviews.
• Support engineering staff development and workload management.
• Foster collaboration across engineering disciplines and project teams.

Safety & Quality

• Promote a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence.
• Support a culture focused on zero incidents and operational integrity.
• Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout project execution.
• Deliver projects safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Experience

• Minimum 8+ years of Mechanical Engineering experience.
• Direct experience supporting:
  • Refineries
  • Petrochemical facilities
  • Oil & Gas facilities
  • Heavy industrial operations
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing project workloads.

Technical Skills

Strong experience with:

• Process piping systems
• Fixed equipment
• Rotating equipment
• Mechanical design reviews
• Construction support
• Vendor package reviews
• Material selection
• Welding and inspection requirements

Knowledge of:

• ASME B31.1
• ASME B31.3
• ASME Section I & Section VIII
• API Standards
• NBIC requirements

Experience with:

• Fabrication support
• Process piping design
• Material take-offs (MTOs)
• Bills of Material (BOMs)
• Project estimating
• Scope development

Professional Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong client-facing and contractor coordination experience.
• Proven ability to mentor engineering staff and lead engineering efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License or ability to obtain licensure.
• Previous experience serving as a Lead Mechanical Engineer.
• Site-based refinery or petrochemical facility experience.
• Experience supporting reliability, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Brownfield project experience.
• Experience working directly within operating industrial facilities.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Thursday onsite.
• Friday remote/work from home.
• Standard 5x8 schedule.
• Candidates should be located within commuting distance or willing to relocate to the Blaine/Ferndale, WA area.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to local industrial facilities for meetings, field support, and project activities.
• Less than 10% overnight travel.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC Card.
• Ability to obtain required site safety certifications and badges.
• HHFT Safety Training certification or ability to obtain.
• Successful completion of background screening.
• Participation in federally mandated drug and alcohol testing programs.
• Ability to work in active industrial environments, including climbing ladders and working at heights.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers the chance to lead impactful refinery and industrial capital projects while remaining actively involved in engineering execution. The position combines technical leadership, project management, mentoring, and field engagement, making it ideal for experienced mechanical engineers seeking a highly visible role with long-term growth potential.

TRS Staffing Solutions are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome you to provide OFCCP data voluntarily here