Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Engineering; South Holland (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical plans

Dental & vision

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in South Holland, IL is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, fabricate, and test a cryogenic separation system for laboratory use. You will convert P&IDs to 3D CAD models, create fabrication drawings, and support the system through fabrication, testing, and commissioning.

The role requires 3–4 years of mechanical design experience, strong SolidWorks skills, and knowledge of thermal/cryogenic design principles.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of mechanical design engineering experience, preferably in custom manufacturing or metal fabrication.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD.
• Experience developing fabrication drawings for metal components and assemblies.
• Understanding of thermal fluid systems, vacuum systems, or cryogenic design principles.
• Experience with mechanical, structural, or thermal analyses.
• Strong technical writing skills for fabrication procedures, test plans, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering, fabrication, and customer teams.
• Experience in a vertically integrated machine shop or weld shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Convert P&IDs into detailed 3D CAD models using SolidWorks and develop fabrication drawings.
• Support mechanical design of fluid systems, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, cryogenic components.
• Perform mechanical, structural, and thermal calculations and prepare analysis documents.
• Prepare verification and validation documentation, test plans, ICDs, and operating procedures.
• Develop startup, operation, and shutdown procedures.
• Participate in weekly design reviews and support shop assembly and fabrication planning.
• Work directly with customer technical representatives to address project requirements and design considerations.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing activities to ensure project deliverables meet specifications.

Skills

SolidWorks

Fabrication drawings

Cryogenic design

Thermal analysis

Structural analysis

Thermal fluid systems

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Machine shop experience

Job description

Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: South Holland, IL
Hire Type: Longterm Contract
Pay Rate: $40-50/hr.
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer in South Holland, IL. This opportunity will be supporting the design, development, fabrication, and testing of a custom-engineered cryogenic separation system for laboratory application. The project will involve developing manufacturing-ready designs and supporting the system through fabrication, testing, and commissioning.

Job Duties:

• Convert P&IDs into detailed 3D CAD models using SolidWorks and develop approved fabrication drawing packages for the shop floor.
• Support mechanical design of fluid systems, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and cryogenic distribution components.
• Perform mechanical stress, structural, and thermal fluid calculations and prepare formal analysis documentation.
• Prepare verification and validation documentation, test plans, interface control documents (ICDs), and operating procedures.
• Develop startup, operation, and shutdown procedures.
• Participate in weekly design reviews and support shop assembly and fabrication planning.
• Work directly with customer technical representatives to address project requirements and design considerations.
• Support fabrication, assembly, and testing activities to ensure project deliverables meet specifications.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of mechanical design engineering experience, preferably in custom manufacturing or metal fabrication environments.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD.
• Experience developing mechanical designs and fabrication drawings for metal components and assemblies.
• Understanding of thermal fluid systems, vacuum systems, or cryogenic design principles.
• Experience with mechanical calculations, structural analysis, or thermal analysis.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to develop fabrication procedures, test plans, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering, fabrication, and customer teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Experience working in a vertically integrated machine shop or weld shop environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.