Mechanical Project Engineer

MetaOption LLC; Oxford (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MetaOption LLC is seeking a Project Engineer to lead the design, development, validation and launch of new products, guiding cross-functional teams from concept through production. The role requires strong mechanical design, NPD, and project leadership within a manufacturing setting.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CAD (SolidWorks) experience, plus proficiency in engineering analyses (FEA/DOE) and DFMEA/DVP&R processes, to ensure performance, manufacturability, and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Min 5 years engineering experience in product design, development, or manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading engineering projects from concept through production launch.
• Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools including FEA and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with structured New Product Development processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of medium to complex products from concept through production launch.
• Create and review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.
• Develop products such as valves, fluid handling components, electromechanical devices, automotive components, industrial equipment, or other engineered products.
• Apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.
• Lead prototype development, testing, validation, and design refinement activities.
• Support manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams during product launch and production.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project management

CAD SolidWorks

FEM analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

FEA software

Job description

Project Engineer

Reports to: Director of Engineering Department: Engineering

Position Summary

The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and launch of new products while managing cross-functional projects from concept through production. This position combines strong engineering design capabilities with project management leadership to deliver innovative, high-quality products that meet customer, regulatory, manufacturing, and business requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical product design, engineering analysis, new product development, and project leadership within a manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of medium to complex products from concept through production launch.
• Create and review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.
• Develop products such as valves, fluid handling components, electromechanical devices, automotive components, industrial equipment, or other engineered products.
• Apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.
• Utilize analytical tools including:
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis
  • Thermal Analysis
  • Fatigue and Stress Analysis
  • Design of Experiments (DOE)
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Statistical Analysis and Validation Methods
• Lead prototype development, testing, validation, and design refinement activities.
• Support manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams during product launch and production.

New Product Development

• Lead projects through a structured New Product Development (NPD) process.
• Facilitate design reviews and technical reviews throughout development.
• Develop and maintain:
  • Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
  • Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R)
  • Risk Assessments
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Design for Assembly (DFA)
  • Product Validation Plans
• Ensure designs comply with applicable customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation plans.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional project teams from concept through production implementation.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and action item lists.
• Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software.
• Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status to stakeholders and leadership.
• Drive accountability and timely completion of project deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and resources.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with:
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Quality Engineering
  • Operations
  • Procurement
  • Suppliers
  • Customers
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Executive Leadership
• Coordinate supplier development activities related to new product launches.
• Support customer meetings, technical presentations, and product demonstrations as required.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in product design, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proven experience leading engineering projects from concept through production launch.
• Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools including FEA and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with structured New Product Development processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Preferred

• Experience with valves, pressure systems, fluid handling products, automotive components, or industrial products.
• Experience with die cast, machined, molded, and assembled products.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project leadership experience.
• Experience with supplier development and manufacturing launch activities.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and design controls.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong technical design capability.
• Excellent project planning and execution skills.
• Effective communication and leadership.
• Ability to drive projects to completion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.