Senior Manufacturing/Project Engineer

W3Global; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to strengthen production operations in a steel plate processing and fabrication environment. This hands-on role focuses on improving equipment reliability, production efficiency, and overall performance on the shop floor.

The ideal candidate partners with maintenance and production teams to diagnose issues, optimize machinery, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication equipment and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in steel processing, fabrication, or metals manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and maintenance mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support across fabrication and processing equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and downtime events with a hands-on approach.
• Perform root cause analysis to resolve performance issues.
• Inspect, test, and improve machinery on the production floor.
• Lead equipment upgrades to improve uptime, quality, throughput, and safety.
• Partner with operations and maintenance to optimize maintenance practices.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup of new equipment.
• Improve systems involving hydraulics, pneumatics, drives, conveyors, and structural assemblies.
• Resolve issues related to cut quality, forming accuracy, and processing performance.
• Develop and standardize maintenance procedures and equipment documentation.
• Coordinate with OEMs for repairs and upgrades; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Hands-on

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Drawing interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fiber lasers

Plasma systems

CNC machinery

Controls integration

Job description

Our client is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support and enhance production operations within a steel plate processing and fabrication environment. This role is highly hands-on and focused on improving equipment reliability, production efficiency, and overall operational performance.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly on the shop floor, partnering with maintenance and production teams, and taking an active role in diagnosing issues, optimizing machinery, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support across fabrication and processing equipment such as laser cutting systems, plasma tables, press brakes, decoiling/leveling lines, and tube processing equipment
• Troubleshoot equipment failures, recurring mechanical issues, and downtime events with a hands-on approach
• Perform root cause analysis to resolve issues related to machine performance, alignment, wear, motion systems, and material handling
• Work directly on the production floor to inspect, test, and improve machinery and processes
• Lead and implement equipment upgrades and modifications to improve uptime, quality, throughput, and safety
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to optimize performance and preventive maintenance practices
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup of new production equipment
• Improve and maintain systems involving hydraulics, pneumatics, drive components, conveyors, rollers, and structural assemblies
• Assist in resolving issues related to cut quality, forming accuracy, material consistency, and processing performance
• Develop and standardize maintenance procedures, inspection processes, and equipment documentation
• Coordinate with OEMs and external vendors for repairs, upgrades, and technical support
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians while promoting a safety-first, problem-solving culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in steel processing, fabrication, metals manufacturing, or a similar industrial environment

Technical Expertise

• Experience with fabrication equipment such as fiber lasers, plasma systems, press brakes, leveling systems, and material handling equipment
• Strong hands-on mechanical troubleshooting skills across hydraulics, pneumatics, bearings, gearboxes, motors, conveyors, and machine alignment
• Solid understanding of equipment reliability, root cause analysis, and maintenance strategies
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical documentation

Preferred

• Experience supporting OEM equipment and capital projects
• Exposure to CNC machinery, servo systems, and controls integration
• Background in continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments
• PE license is a plus

Work Environment

• Daily presence in an industrial production setting
• Comfortable working around heavy machinery, noise, heat, and typical fabrication conditions
• Ability to access equipment, including climbing stairs or ladders and working in confined or elevated spaces when necessary

Ideal Candidate

• Our client is looking for a practical, floor-oriented engineer who thrives in a hands-on environment. This individual enjoys working directly with equipment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving measurable improvements in safety, reliability, and production performance.