Mechanical Engineer – Heavy Equipment
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $95,000/year; higher based on experience
Schedule: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mechanical Engineer to design, improve, and support specialized heavy equipment used for railroad emergency response, lifting, maintenance, and field operations.
This is a hands-on engineering position covering the full equipment lifecycle, including concept development, CAD design, engineering analysis, manufacturing support, testing, field implementation, and product improvement. The role is well suited for an engineer who enjoys practical problem-solving and working with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and customers.
The primary work location is in Chesterfield, VA, with occasional work at a Richmond facility, vendor locations, customer sites, and field operations.
Engineers may also participate in emergency response activities outside normal business hours as part of a first-response organization.
Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Engineering
- Develop mechanical designs for new heavy equipment and crane systems.
- Modify and improve existing equipment to expand capabilities and improve performance.
- Reverse engineer components and develop updated mechanical solutions.
- Create and evaluate designs using SolidWorks, CAD modeling, FEA, engineering calculations, prototyping, and field testing.
- Evaluate equipment designs for manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, safety, performance, and cost.
- Maintain and update standard equipment designs and associated engineering documentation.
- Apply applicable engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations to equipment designs.
Project & Manufacturing Support
- Manage engineering projects from initial concept through manufacturing, testing, implementation, and lifecycle support.
- Lead crane rebuild and refurbishment projects, including inspections, repair planning, upgrades, testing, and final delivery.
- Work with manufacturing, operations, leadership, vendors, and suppliers to keep projects moving and support production requirements.
- Provide technical assistance for equipment troubleshooting, inspections, testing, field work, and emergency response.
- Support successful product releases and verify equipment meets applicable specifications and requirements.
Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials, design records, and other technical documentation.
- Use engineering judgment and creative problem-solving to address complex mechanical issues.
- Communicate technical information clearly with customers, vendors, manufacturing teams, and other departments.
- Assist with quality assurance, equipment standardization, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Manage multiple engineering projects and adjust priorities as project and operational needs change.
- Maintain current knowledge of company equipment, industry practices, and applicable engineering standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent parametric CAD software.
- Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to validate results using engineering calculations.
- Understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Commitment to safety and engineering quality.
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10% for inspections, field activities, and customer support.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
- CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
- Experience designing heavy equipment, cranes, mobile equipment, or industrial machinery.
- Experience working with hydraulic and electrical systems.
- Experience supporting equipment from design through manufacturing and field deployment.
- Familiarity with OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or other applicable engineering standards.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
- Ability to climb onto equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to occasionally lift tools, components, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency situations when required.
- Ability to work safely in both office and industrial environments.
