Plant Systems Mechanical Design Specialist

Lighthouse Hiring; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthouse Hiring seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to own the design journey from concept to installation for mechanical and electromechanical equipment. You will develop 3D models, create precise drawings, and maintain documentation to ensure standards and on‑time delivery.

Collaborating with Sales, R&D, Production and Customer Service, you’ll support installation manuals, BOMs, and vendor buyouts while using Autodesk Inventor/Vault, AutoCAD and SolidWorks to deliver reliable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications and produce detailed procedures.
• Experience with 3D modeling and drafting tools.
• Experience translating customer requirements into specifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and drive programs with milestones and budgets.
• Create 3D models and construction details for components and assemblies.
• Draft precise equipment drawings for machine and sheet metal fabrication.
• Develop, edit, and review BOMs; record jobs and materials in ERP system.

Skills

3D modeling

Documentation

Technical reading

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor/Vault

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Build what’s next in mechanical systemsOwn the design journey—from concept to installation—for mechanical and electromechanical equipment that customers rely on. Your mission: deliver accurate, standards‑compliant engineering on schedule and within budget while supporting quality at every step.Your impactTurn customer problems into engineered solutions and reliable replacement parts.Ensure every design aligns with engineering principles, company standards, and contract specs.Elevate product development with modern modeling tools and disciplined documentation.ResponsibilitiesPlan and drive programsDefine activities, milestones, and support needs for engineering programs.Maintain project schedules, checklists, and budgets; communicate milestone status to internal teams and customers and replan as conditions evolve.Coordinate closely with the engineering team on details, lessons learned, and supporting tasks; champion progress on assigned deliverables.Engineer and validate designsInterpret sketches, drawings, specifications, and engineering data to set procedures and objectives.Research prior designs and challenges to refine current work and originate new product solutions.Consult with research and service personnel to resolve issues and shape innovative designs.Create 3D models and construction details for new/modified components and assemblies.Draft precise equipment drawings appropriate for machine and sheet metal fabrication.Document calculations and models to support, test, and verify designs; contribute to reviews and documentation quality control.Develop, edit, and review BOMs; record jobs, operations, and materials within the ERP system.Write installation, operation, and maintenance manuals; produce installation and maintenance procedures and instructions.Maintain complete engineering files for equipment; capture all modifications and field changes for serialized units.Source and specify buyoutsSecure detailed vendor quotations for project deliverables.Prepare purchase requisitions covering equipment, structural supports, and installation components.Author specifications for engineered buyouts supporting projects, parts, and service.Partner and growSupport Sales, R&D, Production, and Customer Service/Parts with timely engineering input.Guide long‑range engineering planning with insight into manufacturing methods, materials, properties, and process limitations.Help evolve and document internal standards and procedures.Travel as needed to alternate production facilities and customer locations for support and installations.Develop your expertiseEngage in continuous learning aligned to changing project needs and emerging products/markets.Grow breadth in safety training, code standards, software/computer modeling, communication, and technical writing.What you bringBachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Proficiency with drafting and solid modeling, including Autodesk Inventor/Vault; ability to connect finished products, mathematical models, 3D models, and 2D detail drawings.Strength in documenting engineering solutions and archiving knowledge.Ability to read/interpret technical documents; write reports and correspondence; present effectively to customers and colleagues using modern tools.Facility with geometry, trigonometry, statistics, mechanical engineering models, and practical calculations.Sound reasoning to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and reach valid conclusions; able to interpret complex instructions in mathematical or diagram form and manage abstract and concrete variables.Competencies and toolsProject Management; Machine Building/Assembling; Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA); Design for Assembly (DFA); Mechanical Design & Engineering; Blueprint Reading.CAD Software (AutoCAD, Solidworks), 3D Modeling, and 2D Drawings; ERP workflows for BOMs, jobs, operations, and materials.Work environmentExpect a mix of office and field work. Field assignments may involve moving mechanical parts, weather exposure, electrical hazards, heights, fumes, chemicals, vibration, and loud noise. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including ear plugs, is required.