MPI Design Engineer

McWane Plant & Industrial; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McWane Plant & Industrial in Birmingham, AL, seeks a junior Design Engineer focused on valve design for waterworks. You’ll move from sketch to shop floor, collaborating with manufacturing to prototype and test components quickly.

Ideal for recent grads with up to 2 years’ experience who want hands-on, cross-functional design work that directly supports reliable water infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or recent graduate in mechanical engineering.
• 0–2 years of professional experience; internships or co-ops are a plus.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and hands-on engineering mindset.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and communicate across teams.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (AWWA) preferred; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Perform calculations, simulations, and analyses for performance and durability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for design-for-manufacturability reviews and prototyping.
• Partner with Sales to understand customer needs and support configurations.
• Contribute to testing, validation, and continuous product improvement.
• Document designs with drawings and timelines.

Skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

GD&T

FEA / flow simulation

Job description

MPI products will be manufactured at our MPI Calera location, in Calera, AL, where standardization of best practices and formatting will be fundamental. The MPI division is generating significant growth, requiring collaboration with several sister divisions as internal product knowledge and development mature.

Design Engineer

Design Engineer – Valves for Waterworks

Location

Birmingham, AL

Reports To

Engineering Manager

Launch Your Engineering Career with Real Impact – From Sketch to Shop Floor in Record Time! Are you a recent grad or early-career engineer ready to dive into hands‑on design work that directly shapes critical infrastructure? We’re seeking a motivated junior Design Engineer to join our dynamic team, focusing on innovative valve solutions for the waterworks industry. Here, your designs don’t sit on a shelf – you’ll see them come to life in manufacturing almost immediately, delivering clean water to communities nationwide.

Why This Role is Perfect for Emerging Talent:

• Fast-Track Feedback Loop: Get rare exposure to full-cycle product development. Design a valve component in the morning, collaborate with manufacturing to prototype it by afternoon, and test it on the shop floor – instant proof of your work!
• High-Impact Mission: Contribute to reliable water distribution systems that power cities, agriculture, and everyday life. Your innovations help ensure safe, efficient flow control in municipal water, wastewater, and irrigation projects.
• Collaborative & Cross-Functional: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with manufacturing experts to optimize producibility and partner with our Sales team to tailor solutions for real-world customer challenges.
• Growth-Focused Environment: Perfect for recent graduates or those with up to 2 years of experience. Mentorship from seasoned engineers, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture to accelerate your career.

What you’ll do:

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), incorporating fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (e.g., flow coefficients/Cv), and analysis to ensure performance, durability, and compliance.
• Collaborate daily with manufacturing teams for design-for-manufacturability reviews and rapid prototyping.
• Partner with Sales to understand customer needs, propose optimal solutions, and support custom configurations.
• Participate in testing, validation, and continuous improvement of products on the production floor.
• Document designs, create technical drawings, and contribute to project timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (recent graduates encouraged!)
• 0–2 years of professional experience; internships, co‑ops, or capstone projects in design/manufacturing are a plus.
• Proficiency (or eagerness to master) CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for hands‑on engineering.
• Must be comfortable balancing multiple priorities, coordinating various projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication for cross‑team collaboration.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (e.g., AWWA) is a bonus, but we’ll train the right candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating solid models using SolidWorks
• Experience in valve or automotive design

Position Requirements

• Able to work in a fast‑paced environment, under pressure and within project deadlines
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and with other McWane divisions
• Must be able to meet and adhere to physical requirements, including traveling to various MPI locations with appropriate PPE.
• Must have valid driver license and be eligible for auto insurance coverage.

McWane Plant & Industrial is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed. McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices.