Mechanical Project Engineer

Location: Oxford, NC

Project Engineer
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Reports to: Director of Engineering Department: Engineering
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Position Summary
The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and launch of new products while managing cross-functional projects from concept through production. This position combines strong engineering design capabilities with project management leadership to deliver innovative, high-quality products that meet customer, regulatory, manufacturing, and business requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical product design, engineering analysis, new product development, and project leadership within a manufacturing environment.

Essential Responsibilities
Product Design & Development
• Lead the design and development of medium to complex products from concept through production launch.
• Create and review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.
• Develop products such as valves, fluid handling components, electromechanical devices, automotive components, industrial equipment, or other engineered products.
• Apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.
• Utilize analytical tools including:
o Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
o Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
o Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis
o Thermal Analysis
o Fatigue and Stress Analysis
o Design of Experiments (DOE)
o Root Cause Analysis
o Statistical Analysis and Validation Methods
• Lead prototype development, testing, validation, and design refinement activities.
• Support manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams during product launch and production.

New Product Development
• Lead projects through a structured New Product Development (NPD) process.
• Facilitate design reviews and technical reviews throughout development.
• Develop and maintain:
o Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
o Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R)
o Risk Assessments
o Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
o Design for Assembly (DFA)
o Product Validation Plans
• Ensure designs comply with applicable customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation plans.

Project Management
• Lead cross-functional project teams from concept through production implementation.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and action item lists.
• Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software.
• Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status to stakeholders and leadership.
• Drive accountability and timely completion of project deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and resources.
Cross-Functional Leadership
• Collaborate with:
o Manufacturing Engineering
o Quality Engineering
o Operations
o Procurement
o Suppliers
o Customers
o Sales and Marketing
o Executive Leadership
• Coordinate supplier development activities related to new product launches.
• Support customer meetings, technical presentations, and product demonstrations as required.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams.

Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in product design, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proven experience leading engineering projects from concept through production launch.
• Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools including FEA and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with structured New Product Development processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
Preferred
• Experience with valves, pressure systems, fluid handling products, automotive components, or industrial products.
• Experience with die cast, machined, molded, and assembled products.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project leadership experience.
• Experience with supplier development and manufacturing launch activities.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and design controls.
Success Factors
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Strong technical design capability.
• Excellent project planning and execution skills.
• Effective communication and leadership.
• Ability to drive projects to completion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.