Mechanical Engineer

Innovate; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovate is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and build custom chemical processing systems from concept to commissioning. You will apply 3D CAD to create skids and pressure vessels, run static and thermal analyses, and coordinate with in-house fabrication teams.

This hands-on role requires an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree, travel up to 10%, and readiness to work across R&D and pilot-scale facilities, with emphasis on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited U.S. school.
• Travel up to 10% domestically and internationally for commissioning and support.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (export-controlled programs).

Responsibilities

• Use Inventor/SolidWorks/SolidEdge to design custom systems and skids in 3D.
• Develop BOMs and technical drawing packages for fabrication.
• Coordinate with fabrication teams to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Perform static structural and thermal analyses to support design decisions.
• Conduct ASME code calculations (B31/BPVC) using Excel and hand methods.
• Support pilot plant commissioning and startup.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D modeling

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

DFMEA & risk assessment

P&ID awareness

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree (US)

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

SolidEdge

Excel

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to join an engineering team that designs and builds custom chemical processing systems, skids, and pilot plants from concept through commissioning. You'll work on projects ranging from R&D-scale systems to full pilot facilities, combining mechanical design, structural/thermal analysis, and hands-on project leadership. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, comfortable wearing multiple hats, and energized by solving complex engineering problems in a fast-moving environment

We're looking for a Mechanical Engineer who thrives on variety, ownership, and problem-solving. This is a hands-on, dynamic role ideal for someone who wants to see their work go from 3D model to real-world operation

What You'll Be Doing

• Use Autodesk Inventor (or SolidWorks, SolidEdge) to design custom systems, components, and skids in 2D and 3D
• Build and manage large 3D modeling assemblies with variable levels of detail
• Develop comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical drawing packages
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation for fabrication and assembly teams
• Coordinate with in-house fabrication teams to ensure quality and accuracy
• Inspect work for weld quality, assembly precision, and spec compliance
• Conduct in-depth static structural and thermal analysis using Inventor/SolidWorks to support design decisions
• Perform ASME code calculations (B31 piping and BPVC pressure vessels) using Excel, hand calculations, and industry tools
• Design ASME and non-code pressure vessels and pressure piping systems
• Specify pumps, valves, and process control systems for seamless integration
• Design equipment to handle hazardous materials (flammables, toxics, water reactive substances)
• Conduct DFMEAs and risk assessments to improve reliability and prevent issues early
• Support process engineering with simulations and system optimization
• Review and update Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) with process and controls engineers
• Contribute to continuous improvement across engineering, quality, and safety
• Support pilot plant commissioning and startup

Minimum Required Qualifications (All Required)

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited U.S. school
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally to customer sites for commissioning and support
• Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (export-controlled programs)

Desirable Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or EI certificate with plans to pursue Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Code Expertise: Hands-on experience with ASME B31 (piping) and BPVC (pressure vessels) code calculations using Excel, hand calculations, and industry tools
• Hazardous Materials: Experience designing equipment to handle flammables, toxics, and water-reactive substances
• Equipment Design: Background designing skids, structural frames, pressure piping, and pressure vessels
• R&D Background: Prior experience in research and development or pilot-scale manufacturing environments