Mechanical Systems Specialist

Via Separations; City of Watertown (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

401(k) Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Via Separations in Watertown, NY, seeks a Mechanical Systems Specialist to lead assembly, fabrication, and build-out of internal test equipment, including test skids, pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and wiring. This hands-on role requires reading engineering drawings and schematics to plan builds and ensure quality and safety.

You will source materials, order parts, coordinate with engineering and procurement, supervise others on builds, and support maintenance and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience assembling, fabricating, and maintaining mechanical and piping systems.
• Ability to read and work directly from engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications.
• Experience with hazardous liquids and gases, PPE protocols, and safe shop practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead build sequencing and task assignment for assigned projects, ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids, including pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and electrical wiring.
• Read and interpret drawings to plan and execute builds accurately; order and track materials with engineering and procurement.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Leadership

Safety compliance

Tools

Hand tools

Pipe threading machines

Cut-off saws

P&IDs reading

Electrical wiring

Job description

• Via Separations is seeking a Mechanical Systems Specialist to join our Internal Systems group
• As the Mechanical Systems Specialist, you will lead the assembly, fabrication, and build-out of internal test equipment, including test skids and pilot support systems consisting of pumps, controls, piping, valves, instruments, and wiring
• You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting existing test skids and assets
• This is a hands-on technical leadership position requiring the ability to read and work from engineering drawings, source and order material, and operate hand and shop tools safely while working around hazardous liquids and gases
• Build & Assembly:
• Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids, including pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and electrical/wiring components
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications to plan and execute builds accurately
• Order and track material required for builds, coordinating with engineering and procurement to ensure correct specifications and timely delivery
• Use hand tools and shop equipment — including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines — to fabricate and install piping and structural components
• Lead build sequencing and task assignment for assigned projects, ensuring work meets quality and safety standards
• Support shipping and receiving activities as needed, including building crates and packaging large items and equipment for outgoing freight
• Coordinate with external trades, including electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors, to support the installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of laboratory equipment and lab facility systems in support of lab test equipment
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
• Maintain, inspect, and repair existing test skids and internal systems to keep them in safe, reliable operating condition
• Troubleshoot mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical issues on test equipment, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
• Coordinate with process and systems engineers on equipment modifications, upgrades, and recurring issues
• Safety & Leadership:
• Work safely and confidently around hazardous liquids and gases, following all relevant safety protocols and PPE requirements
• Serve as a technical lead for build and maintenance activities, mentoring other colleagues and helping enforce shop safety and quality standards
• Identify and escape safety concerns, near-misses, or process deviations promptly

Benefits

• Equity options
• 401(k) Plan
• Time off for Company Holidays & Flexible PTO
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and their families
• 12 weeks paid Parental Leave

Comfortable and safety-conscious working around hazardous liquids and gases10+ years of hands-on experience assembling, fabricating, and maintaining mechanical and piping systems, including pumps, valves, piping, instrumentation, and basic electrical wiringKnowledge of reverse osmosis (RO) and high-pressure system components, operation, and safe handlingAbility to read and work directly from engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specificationsExperience ordering or specifying material for fabrication or maintenance workThe position requires the use of PPE (eye protection, respirator, etc.) and strict adherence to safety procedures when working with hazardous liquids and gases, pressurized systems, and powered shop equipmentExperience using hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machinesAbility to lead tasks and provide direction to others on a build or maintenance jobCandidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, undergo background and drug screening, and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication tasksStrong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, piping, and basic electrical/controls systemsU.S. work authorization is required for this roleAble to work independently with minimal oversight, prioritizing and managing tasks with sound judgmentExperience with chemical process equipment or corrosive service materials (e.g., stainless steel, specialty alloys)Prior experience in a lab, industrial test/fabrication, or field equipment deployment environmentFamiliarity with piping codes and material standards (e.g., ASME B31.3) and basic instrumentation/controls wiring