Mechanical Engineer – Construction & Capital Projects

Location: Manteno, IL
Department: Engineering / Capital Projects
Work Arrangement: 100% On-Site

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to support the design, construction, and commissioning of mechanical infrastructure and utility systems for a large-scale manufacturing facility. This role will provide engineering support for capital construction projects, facility expansions, and utility infrastructure while partnering with construction, facilities, operations, and maintenance teams.

The ideal candidate has experience with industrial building utilities, mechanical systems, and facility infrastructure and is comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, support, and implement mechanical systems for new construction, facility expansions, and capital improvement projects.
• Develop and review mechanical drawings, utility layouts, piping diagrams, equipment specifications, and construction documents.
• Support construction teams during installation, commissioning, startup, and project closeout.
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, controls, facilities, and construction teams throughout project execution.
• Perform engineering calculations for mechanical systems, equipment sizing, utility demand, and piping systems.
• Assist with equipment selection and specification for facility utility systems.
• Review contractor submittals, RFIs, engineering changes, and as-built documentation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and utility system issues and recommend practical engineering solutions.
• Ensure all work complies with company standards, applicable building codes, OSHA requirements, and engineering best practices.
• Support multiple capital projects simultaneously while maintaining project schedules and budgets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, or construction projects.
• Experience working in manufacturing facilities, industrial plants, or large commercial construction environments.
• Strong understanding of facility mechanical infrastructure and industrial utilities.

Required Technical Skills

Facility Utility Systems

• Strong knowledge of industrial building utility systems.
• Experience with:
• Compressed air systems
• Natural gas distribution systems
• Chilled water systems
• Process and domestic water systems
• HVAC systems
• Mechanical piping systems
• Understanding of facility electrical systems as they relate to mechanical equipment and utility infrastructure.
• Knowledge of industrial utility distribution and plant infrastructure.

Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical equipment sizing and selection
• Utility load calculations
• Piping system design and layout
• Pump, valve, and heat exchanger fundamentals
• Mechanical equipment installation and commissioning
• Preventive and reliability-focused design practices

Engineering Documentation

• Ability to read and interpret:
• Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Mechanical drawings
• Utility distribution drawings
• Equipment layouts
• Construction documents
• Equipment specifications
• As-built drawings

Required Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, construction, facilities, and operations teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting industrial construction or capital projects.
• Familiarity with industrial utility infrastructure, central utility plants, and facility support systems.
• Experience with HVAC, chilled water, compressed air, steam, natural gas, and process utility systems.
• Knowledge of facility electrical infrastructure and its interaction with mechanical systems.
• Experience working with contractors during installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivers reliable mechanical and utility engineering solutions that support manufacturing operations.
• Successfully supports capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Collaborates effectively with engineering, facilities, operations, and construction teams.
• Ensures utility systems are designed, installed, and commissioned safely, efficiently, and in compliance with engineering standards.
• Contributes to projects that are completed on time, within budget, and with a focus on long-term operational reliability.