Mechanical Engineer

KnackHook, LLC; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

KnackHook, LLC is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer for a contract role in Longmont, CO with remote options. You will design and optimize steam valve actuators, HPUs, manifolds, and related control and instrumentation systems to meet safety and performance specs.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, perform calculations, and produce drawings and documentation in compliance with ASME/API/ISO. Strong CAD skills (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and hands‑on hydraulic experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with steam valve actuators, hydraulic actuators, HPUs and manifolds.
• Strong CAD skills and familiarity with instrumentation design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize steam valve actuators and hydraulic actuators.
• Design hydraulic power units (HPUs) and integrate manifolds and valves.
• Collaborate with control system engineers for system integration and performance.
• Perform mechanical design calculations (stress, fluid dynamics, heat transfer).
• Produce technical drawings, schematics, and design documentation.

Skills

Steam valve actuators

Hydraulic systems

Instrumentation design

Fluid dynamics

Pressure systems

Mechanical actuation

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Mechanical Engineer
Contract

Location: Longmont CO (Remote)

What You Will Do:

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer with expertise in steam valve hydraulic actuators, hydraulic power units (HPUs), hydraulic trip manifold assemblies (TMA), control system elements, and instrumentation design. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience designing and optimizing hydraulic and control systems for complex industrial applications, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical control elements and digital electronic control systems. This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical design principles, hydraulic systems, and instrumentation.

• Steam Valve Actuator Design: Design, develop, and optimize steam valve actuators for controlling fluid flow in high-pressure and high-temperature systems. Ensure actuators meet operational requirements, safety standards, and performance specifications.
• Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) Design: Design hydraulic power units (HPUs) for providing hydraulic pressure supply to control systems. Select and integrate appropriate components (e.g., pumps, valves, reservoirs) for optimized performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
• Manifold and Valve Integration: Design and integrate manifolds, valves, and related components into hydraulic systems. Ensure proper flow distribution and system safety, minimizing leaks and failures during operation.
• System Integration and Performance Optimization: Work closely with control system engineers to ensure that hydraulic power systems, actuators, and instrumentation are properly integrated with control systems for optimal performance.
• Analysis and Calculations: Perform mechanical design calculations, including stress analysis, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, to ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and performance criteria.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, to ensure that mechanical designs align with system requirements. Provide technical support throughout the design, installation, and commissioning phases.
• Documentation and Compliance: Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including technical drawings, schematics, and design specifications. Ensure all designs comply with relevant codes, standards, and safety regulations (e.g., ASME, API, ISO)

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, specifically with steam valve hydraulic actuators, hydraulic power units, manifolds, and control systems.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of steam valve actuators, hydraulic systems, and instrumentation design.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, pressure systems, and mechanical actuation.
• Familiarity with hydraulic control systems and their integration with control systems.
• Proficiency in both solid modelling and 2-dimensional CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for mechanical design and layout.
• Experience with instrumentation design for monitoring and controlling systems (e.g., pressure sensors, flow meters, temperature transmitters).
• Knowledge of safety standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., ASME, API, IEC).

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and optimize mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hydraulic systems in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, or heavy manufacturing.
• Familiarity with advanced control systems and their integration into hydraulic and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of system testing and performance validation techniques for hydraulic and control systems.