Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Root Edge; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Root Edge is seeking a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer to lead mechanical design and full project execution for biogas/bioenergy systems. The role requires hands-on design authority, proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, and cross-functional leadership from design through deployment.

You will mentor junior staff and collaborate with global engineering teams to ensure technical consistency and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related
• 7+ years in mechanical design or project engineering
• Biogas/Bioenergy systems experience preferred
• Knowledge of ASME/ANSI standards
• Strong calculation and Excel skills

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design calculations to support equipment sizing
• Create SolidWorks 3D models and AutoCAD 2D drawings
• Verify designs for manufacturability and compliance with standards
• Adapt designs to project-specific requirements while maintaining intent
• Coordinate engineering activities across projects to meet scope/schedule/budget
• Interface with clients and sales to confirm project scopes and feasibility
• Provide commissioning input and troubleshooting support
• Mentor junior engineers and drafters and maintain design docs

Skills

Mechanical design

3D modeling

2D drafting

Project leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Design verification

Codes & standards

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Mentorship

Field application

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

This hybrid Senior Mechanical Project Engineer role combines hands-on mechanical design authority with full project engineering leadership across the company's biogas and bioenergy systems. The position covers mechanical calculations, 3D modeling in SolidWorks, and 2D drafting in AutoCAD, alongside the coordination, client interface, and cross-functional leadership needed to carry projects from design through execution. The role applies relevant codes, norms, and industry standards to guide both design and delivery decisions, mentors junior engineers and drafters, and collaborates closely with an international engineering network to maintain technical consistency across global projects. A strong foundation in mechanical design principles, combined with practical experience in bioenergy systems and their field applications, is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Mechanical Design & Calculations:Perform mechanical design work and engineering calculations to support equipment selection, sizing, and system layout.
• 3D & 2D Modeling:Create and maintain 3D models in SolidWorks and 2D drawings in AutoCAD for equipment, assemblies, and project-specific layouts.
• Standard Design Verification:Review and verify existing standard designs for accuracy, manufacturability, and continued compliance with current codes and standards.
• Design Adaptation:Modify standard equipment and designs to meet project-specific requirements while preserving engineering intent and design integrity.
• Codes & Standards:Apply relevant norms, codes, and industry standards to guide design decisions and ensure deliverables meet regulatory and safety requirements.

Project Engineering & Delivery

• Project Design & Delivery:Perform core engineering tasks including system design, equipment specification, and process coordination across the project lifecycle.
• Commissioning Support:Advise commissioning teams, providing technical input and troubleshooting support.
• Client & Sales Interface:Interface with clients to translate project requirements into action, and review proposed project scopes from the sales team to confirm feasibility and alignment with standard offerings.
• Project Planning & Oversight:Define technical strategies and resource allocation for incoming projects, and coordinate engineering activities across multiple projects to maintain alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• International Design Reviews:Collaborate with the company's international engineering teams on design reviews to maintain technical consistency across global projects.
• Cross-Functional Coordination:Work closely with process, electrical, drafting, sales, and project engineering teams to ensure designs integrate cleanly into overall project delivery.
• Vendor & Fabrication Support:Interface with vendors and fabricators to clarify specifications, resolve design questions, and support procurement.

Standards & Process Improvement

• Standardization:Support development and maintenance of standard mechanical designs, calculation methods, drafting practices, and engineering workflows.
• Design & Process Optimization:Identify opportunities to improve design and delivery efficiency, reduce rework, and streamline adaptation of standards for new projects.
• Technical Governance:Guide and enforce consistent application of company engineering methods and standards.
• Documentation:Maintain clear, accurate, up-to-date design documentation, drawings, and calculation records.
• Quality:Ensure proper quality assurance methods are followed.

Team Support & Development

• Mentorship & Onboarding:Mentor and support junior engineers, drafters, and interns, providing technical guidance, design review feedback, and onboarding support.
• Knowledge Sharing:Promote continuous learning through internal training, documented best practices, and technical discussions.
• Performance Input:Provide structured feedback to support performance development and annual reviews of junior team members.

Competencies

• Technical Execution:Apply sound engineering judgment across design, calculations, drafting, and full project delivery, ensuring technically robust and accurate deliverables.
• Design Verification:Critically evaluate existing designs against applicable codes, standards, and best practices, and identify necessary revisions.
• Software Proficiency:Work confidently in SolidWorks and AutoCAD to produce and maintain high-quality 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Project Coordination:Manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining alignment across internal teams, vendors, and project stakeholders.
• Collaborative Communication:Communicate clearly across disciplines and international teams, including regular coordination with global engineering partners, sales, drafting, and field teams.
• Mentorship & Support:Guide and support less experienced engineers and interns, fostering a collaborative environment focused on technical growth.

Experience & Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience:7+ years in mechanical design and/or project engineering within a process industry (Biogas/RNG strongly preferred; water/wastewater, pulp and paper, oil and gas, or similar also considered).
• Codes & Standards Knowledge:Working knowledge of relevant mechanical codes, standards, and norms (e.g., ASME, ANSI, or equivalent).
• Technical Calculations:Experience performing mechanical calculations to support equipment design and specification.
• Regulatory Knowledge:In-depth knowledge of environmental and safety legislation, industry standards, and codes.
• Software Skills:Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Other Requirements:Valid U.S. driver's license.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk, and use a keyboard regularly.
• Ability to perform job duties in varying environmental conditions, including extreme cold or heat, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Lifting requirements: up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to job sites, vendor locations, and training events, both domestic and international.
• Flexible working hours, including the possibility of remote work as needed.
• Frequent collaboration with international engineering teams across multiple global locations.