Innovation Mechanical Engineer I

Sherman and Reilly Inc•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

Sherman + Reilly is seeking an entry-level Innovation Mechanical Engineer I for its innovation team in Chattanooga. The team works upstream of traditional New Product Development to explore emerging technologies, address field-driven problems, and develop practical new equipment for the electric utility industry. This role takes ideas and operational challenges through concept development, analysis, prototyping, testing, field evaluation, and technical handoff. Rapid prototyping and testing are central to the work, with an emphasis on learning quickly and evaluating multiple possible solutions. The position combines technology exploration with occasional field engineering support. The engineer will work directly with linemen, field personnel, technicians, suppliers, and other engineers to understand operational needs, develop and test concepts, investigate field issues, and communicate results. Projects may involve unfamiliar technologies such as hydraulics, electrification, sensors and automation, robotics, unmanned aerial systems, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence applications. The role is intended for an engineer who will grow with guidance from more experienced engineers and take increasing ownership of defined portions of development projects. The work includes office and CAD tasks as well as activity in prototype shops, test fields, and field operations. Some travel to field operations, suppliers, and other Quanta organizations is expected. Candidates should be comfortable in manufacturing and prototype environments, standing for extended periods, climbing on equipment during testing, using hand tools, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors during field testing.

Requirements

Entry level through approximately two years of relevant experience.
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
Proficiency with 3D CAD; SolidWorks is preferred.
Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-on with prototypes, test equipment, technicians, and field personnel.
Clear communication skills.
Curiosity about unfamiliar technologies.
Ability to collaborate and manage several assignments.

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in machine and structural design, FEA, hydraulics, automation, robotics, or unmanned aerial systems.
Experience with prototype fabrication and testing.
Experience with sensors and data-acquisition systems.
Experience using AI tools in an engineering environment for design exploration and analysis.
Formula or Baja SAE team experience, maker projects, internships, and co-ops.

Responsibilities

Engage directly with field users to understand operational problems and translate loosely defined challenges into testable hypotheses.
Research emerging and competitive technologies.
Compare multiple concepts, including off-the-shelf options.
Develop calculations, CAD models, and drawings in SolidWorks, and scale analysis, including FEA, to the technical risk.
Build prototypes with technicians and suppliers.
Conduct bench, structural, and field tests; use sensors and data acquisition to validate assumptions; and iterate on designs.
Document results and lessons learned, and present recommendations to engineers, leadership, and field personnel.
Support occasional field investigations by observing, analyzing, determining root cause, and identifying potential corrective actions.
Help hand validated concepts to New Product Development, other Quanta organizations, or other commercialization pathways.
Apply engineering fundamentals to practical problems with guidance from more experienced engineers.
Develop test setups and take increasing ownership of defined portions of development projects.