Mechanical Design Engineer

RINA; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RINA is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for our Plant Engineering team with responsibilities across concept to detailed design, procurement support, and vendor coordination.

The role requires a Bachelor’s (and preferably a Master’s) in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of industrial design experience, and solid experience with ASME/EN/API standards and design tools. Travel up to 25% is possible; located in Houston, Sunrise, or Lisle, IL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• Master's degree preferred in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical design experience in industrial plants or energy systems.
• Strong knowledge of design codes (ASME VIII, EN 13445, API, NFPA).
• Proficiency with design software (PV Elite, COMPASS, HTRI, Mathcad, ANSYS, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
• Good command of English; able to work in an international team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and update mechanical design specifications and data sheets.
• Develop general arrangement drawings, BOMs, and documentation per standards.
• Perform design calculations (pressure vessel sizing, strength, thermal expansion).
• Coordinate with vendors and clients; participate in design reviews and audits.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and schedule targets.
• Collaborate with process, piping, electrical, and civil teams for integration.

Skills

5+ years experience

Mechanical design

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Design reviews

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PV Elite

COMPASS

HTRI

Mathcad

ANSYS

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

RINA is a global knowledge company where expertise travels across borders, disciplines, and industries. Every day, we collaborate on solving complex challenges that no single field could tackle alone. With a presence in more than 70 countries and 160 years of heritage, we turn individual know-how into collective progress.

We are currently recruiting for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our office in Houston, TX, Sunrise, FL or Chicago/Lisle, IL within the Plant Engineering Division.

Compensation Data

$120,000-$150,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Mission

The Mechanical Design Engineer ensures the development and delivery of high-quality mechanical design solutions in compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and client specifications. The role provides technical expertise across all project phases - from concept to detailed design, procurement support, and vendor coordination - while ensuring integration across disciplines and alignment with quality, cost, and schedule targets.

Key Accountabilities

Design and Technical Documentation

• Prepare and update mechanical design specifications, data sheets (MDS), and technical requisitions for components and equipment.
• Review and interpret project requirements, process data, and client specifications to define design inputs.
• Develop and verify general arrangement drawings, bill of materials, and supporting documentation according to internal and international standards (ASME, ISO, API, NFPA, etc.).
• Ensure completeness and consistency of design deliverables across all project phases (basic, detailed, and as-built).
• Prepare cost estimation for mechanical equipment and support inquiry documentation.

Design Verification and Calculations

• Perform and validate design calculations (pressure vessel sizing, mechanical strength, thermal expansion, etc.).
• Conduct design verification, peer reviews, and ensure full compliance with applicable design codes (ASME, EN, API, etc.).
• Support technical assessments, root cause analyses, and corrective actions for design-related issues.
• Participate in project audits and HSE design case reviews (Bow Tie, Safety Critical Element workshops).

Vendor and Client Interface

• Prepare technical documentation for inquiries and purchase requisitions; perform technical bid evaluations (TBE) and support vendor selection.
• Review vendor drawings and documents, coordinate clarifications, and participate in kick-off, pre-inspection, and design review meetings.
• Attend technical clarification meetings with vendors and clients, pre-inspection meetings (PIM), inspections and testing at vendor facilities, and site surveys.
• Assess vendor quotations and post-order documentation for compliance.

Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Collaborate with process, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and civil teams to ensure complete technical integration of mechanical systems.
• Participate in project review meetings (design reviews, model reviews, HAZOP, IPF reviews) and manage interface resolution.

Quality, Standards, and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all design activities comply with company quality, HSE, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant standards and contribute to continuous improvement of design methods, tools, and templates.
• Complete assigned project tasks within the allocated budget and schedule.
• Participate in lessons-learned sessions and promote best engineering practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Studies.
• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Studies.
• Minimum 5 years experience in mechanical design for industrial plants, energy systems, or similar engineering environments.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design codes and standards (e.g., ASME VIII, EN 13445, API, BS, ISO, NFPA20 etc.).
• Proficiency in engineering calculation and design software (e.g., PV Elite, COMPRESS, HTRI, Mathcad, ANSYS, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.).
• Conversant with international codes and standards such as API, ASME, BS, ISO, NFPA20 etc.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, international team environment.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25% to project and job sites, based upon business needs.
• Valid driver’s license.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Competencies

• DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
• FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.
• INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
• PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
• WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.

At RINA, your growth drives our innovation. We bring together engineers, inspectors, digital minds and specialists from more than 100 nationalities, creating an environment where diverse perspectives sharpen how we think, collaborate and deliver.

Benefits

RINA North America provides a comprehensive benefits package, including the following insurance options: Medical, Dental, Vision, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Transit, Parking, Basic Life, Basic AD&DD, Voluntary Life, Voluntary AD&DD, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits provided include paid time off, company holidays, tuition reimbursement, nursery grant, travel resource services, and 401K plan with company discretionary match.

Flexibility and respect drive how we work. We are committed to building a workplace where every person feels valued, empowered to develop their potential, and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.

RINA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of RINA without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RINA. Please, no phone calls or emails.