Process Engineer

MDS Staffing; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing is seeking a Process Engineer in Minnesota to design, develop, implement, and optimize fluid and gas handling systems. You will work on thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and field applications, translating theory into practical, reliable solutions.

You will analyze system performance, review drawings and electrical documentation, and collaborate with clients and vendors to ensure safety and quality across projects from concept to startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Mechanical preferred.
• 3–5+ years of demonstrated engineering experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with valves, compressors, piping, and system layout.
• Fundamentals of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics; compressible and incompressible flow.
• Basic electrical concepts (voltage, resistance, current).
• Proficiency with engineering software (Microsoft Office, AutoCAD); REFPROP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support process engineering designs for fluid and gas handling systems, including layouts and equipment selection.
• Perform analyses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, compressible/incompressible flow, pressure drop, heat transfer.
• Review P&IDs, process flow diagrams, mechanical drawings, and electrical documentation.
• Evaluate valves, compressors, pumps, piping, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Support equipment specs, materials selection, and engineering documentation.
• Assist with process control strategies, including PLC-based systems.
• Participate in design reviews, construction support, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, contractors, and internal engineers to resolve issues.
• Apply industry codes and safety requirements throughout the lifecycle.
• Manage multiple projects with minimal supervision while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, performance, efficiency, and safety.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

P&ID interpretation

Electrical concepts

AutoCAD

REFPROP

PLC concepts

C/C++ or JavaScript basics

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

REFPROP

Microsoft Office

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

Process Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated, technically capable Process Engineer to support the design, development, implementation, and optimization of specialized fluid and gas handling systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging engineering projects involving mechanical systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, process controls, and field applications.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with practical mechanical aptitude and an interest in understanding how systems operate in the real world. We are looking for someone who can move comfortably between engineering calculations, technical drawings, equipment selection, project coordination, and jobsite troubleshooting.

This position requires an independent thinker who can manage multiple projects, solve complex technical problems, communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and maintain a strong commitment to safety and engineering quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support process engineering designs for fluid and gas handling systems, including system layouts, piping configurations, equipment selection, and process calculations.
• Perform engineering analyses involving thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, compressible and incompressible flow, pressure drop, heat transfer, and system performance.
• Develop, review, and interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, mechanical drawings, and electrical documentation.
• Evaluate system components, including valves, compressors, pumps, piping, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Support equipment specifications, material selection, and engineering documentation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of process control strategies, including PLC-based control systems and instrumentation.
• Participate in project execution, including design reviews, construction support, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Work directly with customers, vendors, contractors, and internal engineering personnel to resolve technical issues and communicate project requirements.
• Apply applicable industry codes, standards, and safety requirements throughout the engineering and project lifecycle.
• Manage multiple projects and assignments with minimal supervision while maintaining quality, schedule, and technical accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, performance, efficiency, and safety.

Required / Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Mechanical Engineering preferred, but other engineering disciplines will be considered.
• 3–5+ years of demonstrated engineering experience and/or an advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an intuitive understanding of mechanical equipment, including valves, compressors, piping systems, and overall system layout.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, including compressible and incompressible flow and system modeling.
• General understanding of electrical circuits and fundamental concepts, including voltage, resistance, and current.
• Proficiency with standard engineering software, including Microsoft Office and AutoCAD. Familiarity with REFPROP is a plus.
• Strong organizational and self-management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal oversight.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable information for non-technical clients.
• A genuine commitment to jobsite safety, with the ability to recognize and address safety risks rather than prioritizing production or simply getting the job done.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with experience or knowledge in the following areas will receive additional consideration:

• Direct field experience in commissioning, troubleshooting, construction, equipment installation, or project management.
• Familiarity with industry-standard P&IDs and mechanical and electrical drawing packages.
• Knowledge of common piping and valve materials, material compatibility, and corrosion-prevention practices.
• Experience with two-phase fluid flow and phase-changing processes.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems, particularly Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Understanding of digital and analog I/O, as well as PLC programming concepts such as ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming.
• Direct programming experience in languages such as C++ or JavaScript, with an ability to apply that experience to industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with applicable industry codes and standards, including:
• ASME B31.3 – Process Piping
• ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
• ASME B31.12 – Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines
• NFPA 2 – Hydrogen Technologies Code
• NFPA 58 – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
• NFPA 59 – Utility LP-Gas Plant Code
• NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code
• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Previous experience in the propane, hydrogen, or ultrapure water industries.
• Existing knowledge of or relationships with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and industry vendors serving the propane, high-purity water, or hydrogen markets.
• Research experience or an advanced degree in a relevant technical field.
• Experience working with specialized gas handling, high-purity fluid, or industrial process systems.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a practical problem-solver who enjoys understanding how things work, why they work, and how to make them work better.

We value engineers who:

• Understand the relationship between theoretical engineering principles and real-world system behavior.
• Are comfortable getting into the details of mechanical systems and aren't afraid to get hands-on when troubleshooting problems.
• Can work independently, take ownership of assignments, and follow projects through to completion.
• Ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and approach unfamiliar technical problems with curiosity.
• Communicate clearly with customers, vendors, technicians, and fellow engineers.
• Recognize that safety, reliability, and quality are just as important as schedule and project performance.
• Are interested in continually expanding their technical knowledge and capabilities.

You’ll have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of projects, work across multiple engineering disciplines, gain exposure to field applications, and contribute directly to the development and execution of innovative systems.