Mechanical Engineer (Welding)

Compa-Industries; West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 82,656 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

COMPA Industries in West Mifflin, PA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead repair technology test programs at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. The role involves planning, executing, and reporting on test activities, and collaborating with vendors and shipyards. DOE “L” clearance is required.

Position is on-site with up to 10% telework, 40 hours weekly, 1-year contract with potential extension. Travel to vendors and shipyards may be necessary; start date September 2026.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years' experience, or MS with 2+ years.
• Experience developing and leading repair technology test programs.
• CAD skills and ability to produce technical drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Lead test programs for repair technology development.
• Plan, follow, and execute work efforts; create designs and procedures.
• Develop specifications, drawings, and engineering standards.
• Plan and execute tests, analyze results, and report findings.
• Draft and manage subcontracted repair method development contracts.
• Lead laboratory operations in a compliant manner.
• Support project planning and travel to vendors/shipyards.

Skills

Lead test programs

Plan and execute tests

Technical drawing standards

CAD design

Report writing

Lab operations

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Data acquisition hardware

Job description

Location: West Mifflin, PA (On-site, up to 10% telework)
Pay Rate: $60–$65/hr
Contract: 1-year contract with possible extension
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Clearance: DOE “L” required

About the Role

We are recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer to join a team of engineers at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA, supporting repair technology development efforts by leading test programs both within a laboratory setting and via commercial subcontracts. This challenging and rewarding position offers opportunities to continue expanding technical skills through assignments involving both established and novel repair technologies, including epoxy/composite technologies, mechanical/machining processes, and arc welding technologies. The role involves regular interface with stakeholders and support groups across the laboratory, shipyards, and program headquarters. The successful candidate will plan, follow, and execute work efforts; conceive and produce technical designs, instructions, and procedures; and contribute to the development of novel repair techniques by drafting, placing, following, and reporting subcontracted repair method development and demonstration contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead test programs supporting repair technology development, both within the laboratory and via commercial subcontracts.
• Plan, follow, and execute work efforts, and conceive and produce technical designs, instructions, and procedures.
• Develop and interpret specifications, drawings, and engineering standards.
• Plan and execute test programs, design experiments, analyze experimental results, and assist with the preparation of technical reports.
• Contribute to the development of novel repair techniques by drafting, placing, following, and reporting subcontracted repair method development and demonstration contracts.
• Lead and execute laboratory operations in a productive, timely, and compliant manner.
• Support project planning, equipment testing, and repair deployment, including travel to vendors and shipyards as needed.

Required Education & Experience

BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Top Skills & Requirements

• Ability to develop and interpret specifications, drawings, and engineering standards (or the ability to learn it).
• Ability to plan and execute test programs, design experiments, and analyze experimental results.
• Digital design / CAD skills.
• Experience assisting with the preparation of technical reports.
• Ability to lead and execute laboratory operations in a productive, timely, and compliant manner.
• Familiarity with digital data acquisition hardware and software (preferred).

Security Clearance

A DOE “L” clearance is required for this position. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE “L” security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials engineering.
• Background in industrial operations.
• Ability to help develop, test, evaluate, and eventually qualify repair procedures in the laboratory or via vendors and shipyards.
• Excellent individual initiative and creativity.

Contract Details

Duration: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and are executed at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Estimated Hours: Approximately 2,080 straight-time hours per year (full-time).

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week; up to approximately 10% telework.

Anticipated Start: September 2026.

Travel

Some travel to vendors and shipyards is required to support project planning, equipment testing, and repair deployment.

Why Work at COMPA Industries?

We strive to provide careers, not just jobs, for our employees. We invest in and serve the communities where we work and live. We provide best-in-class administrative, professional, and technical services to solve complex problems to meet customer mission-critical objectives.

For over 30 years, Compa has been a trusted partner in progress. We combine decades of technical expertise with a forward-thinking spirit, tackling intricate challenges in nuclear facilities alongside the brightest minds in science and engineering. Join us, and don’t just build your career, build the future, with competitive compensation, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real difference for national security and beyond.

COMPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status.