Mechanical Project Engineer

NextPlay Jobs; Batesville (AR); On-site; USD 68,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

NextPlay Jobs in Batesville, AR, is partnering with a U.S.-based chemical manufacturer to hire a Mechanical Project Engineer for its Arkansas facility. This on-site role offers hands-on engineering ownership across manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance in a large, integrated site.

Ideal candidates hold an ABET‑accredited Mechanical Engineering degree, 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, and strong collaboration and communication skills.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 3+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing facility.
• Experience with manufacturing support systems and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of pumps, pressure, flow, piping, and related process systems.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support for manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance operations
• Identify and implement process improvements across chemical production operations
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process-related issues within the manufacturing facility
• Design and specify mechanical process systems and equipment, including pumps, heat exchangers, centrifuges, piping systems, and pressure relief devices
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, and project economics
• Manage multiple capital and improvement projects simultaneously from concept through implementation
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, engineering, vendors, and leadership throughout project execution
• Communicate project progress, timelines, risks, and recommendations to key stakeholders

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

ABET-accredited program

Job description

Location: Batesville, Arkansas | Onsite WE WILL RELOCATE!!!

Compensation: $68,000-$90,000, depending on experience

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Relocation Assistance: Available

The Opportunity

We’re partnering with an established U.S.-based specialty chemical manufacturer to hire a Mechanical Project Engineer for its Arkansas manufacturing facility.

This is a hands-on engineering opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to manufacturing operations and wants to take real ownership of projects. You’ll work within a collaborative Project Engineering group supporting Manufacturing, Utilities, and Maintenance across a large, integrated production site.

The team is intentionally lean and tight-knit, giving engineers significant visibility and the opportunity to work directly with stakeholders ranging from the plant floor to senior leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Provide mechanical engineering support for manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance operations
• Identify and implement process improvements across chemical production operations
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process-related issues within the manufacturing facility
• Design and specify mechanical process systems and equipment, including pumps, heat exchangers, centrifuges, piping systems, and pressure relief devices
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, and project economics
• Manage multiple capital and improvement projects simultaneously from concept through implementation
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, engineering, vendors, and leadership throughout project execution
• Communicate project progress, timelines, risks, and recommendations to key stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• 3+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing facility preferred
• Strong new graduates will also be considered with relevant internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with manufacturing support systems and mechanical equipment
• Working knowledge of pumps, pressure, flow, piping, and related process systems
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and take ownership of deliverables
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams
• Experience within chemical manufacturing is helpful but not required. Backgrounds in refining, food and beverage, pulp and paper, or other process manufacturing environments can translate well
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction

Important: This is a plant-side/project engineering position rather than a product design or CAD-focused mechanical engineering role.

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to join a stable manufacturing operation with a 50+ year legacy and a team of approximately 500 employees. The environment offers engineers meaningful project ownership, hands‑on exposure to manufacturing operations, and high visibility across the organization.

The company values engineers who want to build long-term expertise and become an important part of the operation rather than pursue a traditional fast‑track corporate ladder.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.