MPI Design Engineer

McWane India Private Limited; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McWane Plant & Industrial in Birmingham, AL is seeking a junior Design Engineer to help develop valve solutions for waterworks—from sketch to shop floor. You’ll design components in SolidWorks/AutoCAD, run basic simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing and the Sales team to tailor solutions and meet timelines.

Ideal candidates are recent mechanical engineering grads with 0–2 years’ experience, strong CAD skills, and a hands-on mindset. Travel to MPI locations with PPE may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required or recent grads.
• 0–2 years of professional experience; internships, co-ops, or capstone projects in design/manufacturing are a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem solving skills, attention to detail, and a hands-on engineering mindset.
• Able to balance multiple priorities and communicate across teams.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (AWWA) is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), incorporating fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (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.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CAD proficiency

GD&T

FEA/CFD

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Design Engineer - Valves for Waterworks

Birmingham, AL

Reports to: Engineering Manager

We are looking for a motivated junior Design Engineer to join our dynamic team, focusing on innovative valve solutions for the waterworks industry. Your designs will go from sketch to shop floor quickly, delivering clean water to communities nationwide.

Why This Role Is Perfect For Emerging Talent

• Fast-Track Feedback Loop: Rare exposure to full-cycle product development. Design in the morning, prototype by afternoon, test on the shop floor – instant proof of work.
• High-Impact Mission: Contribute to reliable water distribution systems powering cities, agriculture, and everyday life.
• Collaborative & Cross-Functional: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with manufacturing experts and Sales team to tailor solutions for real-world customer challenges.
• Growth-Focused Environment: Mentorship from seasoned engineers, professional development opportunities, and supportive team culture to accelerate your career.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD), incorporating fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (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.
• Comfortable balancing multiple priorities and coordinating various projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication for cross‑team collaboration.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (e.g., AWWA) is a bonus.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Position Requirements

• Ability 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 physical requirements, including traveling various MPI locations with appropriate PPE.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible for auto insurance coverage.

Additional Information

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

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. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (in IL – sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (in IA – gender identity), (in CA – gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.