MPI Design Engineer

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

Job summary

McWane Plant & Industrial (MPI) is seeking a Design Engineer – Valves for Waterworks in Birmingham, AL. The role focuses on hands-on valve design from sketches to shop floor, collaborating with manufacturing and sales to deliver optimized solutions.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, 0–2 years of experience, and familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) and basic FEA/flow analysis. Training on waterworks standards is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years of professional experience; internships, co-ops, or capstone projects welcomed.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and a hands-on engineering mindset.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and coordinate various projects.
• Excellent communication for cross-team collaboration.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (e.g., AWWA) is a bonus; training available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software, including fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (e.g., flow coefficients/Cv), and analyses 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

CAD proficiency

GD&T

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA basics

Job description

Overview

Position: Design Engineer. Location: Birmingham, AL. Reports to: Engineering Manager. Design Engineer – Valves for Waterworks. The role focuses on hands-on design work for valve solutions in the waterworks industry, with immediate translation from sketch to shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), including fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (e.g., flow coefficients/Cv), and analyses 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) in CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a hands-on engineering mindset.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and coordinate various projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication for cross-team collaboration.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (e.g., AWWA) is a bonus; training available for 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 deadlines.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and with other McWane divisions.
• Must meet physical requirements for traveling to MPI locations with appropriate PPE.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible for auto insurance coverage.

About McWane Plant & Industrial (MPI)

MPI products are manufactured at the MPI Calera location in Calera, AL. The division focuses on standardizing best practices and collaborating with sister divisions as internal product knowledge and development mature. MPI is part of McWane Plant & Industrial, which partners with design engineers, contractors, plant operations teams, and project owners to be a leading supplier for plant and industrial components.

Additional Information

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description describes the general nature and level of work performed; it is not exhaustive. EEO/AA employer. McWane Plant & Industrial is an equal opportunity employer and may require compliance with federal, state, and local laws and policies. McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor and maintains a drug-free workplace. Details are subject to change at any time with or without notice.