Mechanical Engineer

IKA-WORKS INC; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IKA-WORKS INC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead equipment and system projects from concept to startup. You will develop engineering documentation, create BOMs, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure specifications and industry standards are met.

The role requires a BS Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of experience, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools (Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD). Travel to customer sites may be needed.

Qualifications

• BSME or related field from a four-year accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years mechanical engineering experience.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and assembly documentation.
• Hands-on aptitude for prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving and independent work capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment and system projects from concept through startup.
• Develop accurate engineering documentation and BOMs; support manufacturing.
• Create, review, and revise 3D models, drawings, and assembly docs.
• Apply engineering principles to meet safety, form, fit, and function requirements.
• Develop ECNs to validate design intent and compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Designers and cross-functional teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide technical input to manufacturability and production readiness.
• Assist Service Department with troubleshooting and maintenance support.

Skills

Mechanical design principles

3D CAD

GD&T

Prototyping & testing

Technical communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

When IKA’s corporate history began in 1910, China had not yet become the People’s Republic of China, and the word “globalization” had not even been invented. Today, the IKA Group has more than 900 employees at locations around the world and is proud to serve customers such as BASF, Bayer, and Procter & Gamble. We are the global market leader in many of our product groups and a leading example of innovation, development, and growth. Or, as our slogan says: “IKA – Designed to work perfectly.”

IKA is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team! This individual will lead equipment and system projects from concept through startup, ensuring all designs, documentation, and deliverables meet customer requirements, internal standards, and applicable industry regulations. The role will work closely with Mechanical Designers, Industrial Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to develop accurate engineering documentation, support manufacturing, and ensure successful project execution.

• Lead projects through the full lifecycle, including sourcing support, quality control, assembly, FAT/SAT, and startup at customer sites.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet customer specifications, internal requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Create and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Apply sound engineering principles and calculations to ensure designs meet safety, fit, form, and function requirements, as well as applicable industry regulations and standards (e.g., ASME, ANSI, ISO, 3-A).
• Develop, maintain, and release accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), including the creation of subassemblies and proper linkage to drawings.
• Assist in the selection of major project components based on technical, regulatory, and performance criteria.
• Monitor Bills of Materials (BOMs) completeness throughout the project lifecycle and communicate status updates to management.
• Create, review, and analyze Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to validate design intent, functionality, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Identify technical risks or design issues early and proactively escalate or resolve them to keep projects on track.
• Work closely with Mechanical Designers throughout the project lifecycle to ensure alignment on design intent, manufacturability, and documentation accuracy.
• Communicate technical information effectively with customers, Sales, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle, including during FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Uphold departmental and company policies, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Support Industrial Engineering and the Process Division by providing technical input related to manufacturability, workflow, and production readiness.
• Provide technical assistance to the Service Department, including troubleshooting, issue resolution, and product maintenance support.
• Provide accurate engineering input to support the creation, review, and continuous improvement of technical documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related field from an accredited four-year institution.
• Minimum 5 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, and assembly documentation.
• Hands‑on mechanical aptitude for prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently while managing multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross‑functional teams and supporting customer‑facing activities when needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation tools.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed for installation, testing, or troubleshooting support.