Mechanical Engineer

Innovate; South Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovate designs and builds custom chemical processing systems, skids, and pilot plants from concept through commissioning. You’ll work on projects from R&D-scale systems to full pilot facilities, applying mechanical design, structural/thermal analysis, and hands-on project leadership.

The Mechanical Engineer position offers a dynamic, multi-hat environment with ownership of designs, from 3D modeling in Inventor/SolidWorks to final field deployment and startup support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited U.S. school.
• Willingness to 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 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 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 static structural and thermal analysis to support design decisions.
• Perform ASME code calculations (B31 piping and BPVC) using Excel and hand calculations.
• Design ASME and non-code pressure vessels and pressure piping systems.
• Specify pumps, valves, and process control systems for integration.
• Design equipment to handle hazardous materials.
• Conduct DFMEAs and risk assessments to improve reliability.
• Support pilot plant commissioning and startup.

Skills

3D modeling

Mechanical design

ASME/BPVC knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Self-motivation

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

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