Innovation Mechanical Engineer II

Sherman and Reilly Inc • Chattanooga, TN

9d

About The Position

Sherman + Reilly is seeking an Innovation Mechanical Engineer II for its innovation team. The team works upstream of traditional New Product Development to explore emerging technologies, solve field-driven problems, and develop practical equipment for the electric utility industry. Projects may begin with an operational challenge, an early idea, or an unfamiliar technology, and proceed through concept development, analysis, prototyping, testing, field evaluation, and technical handoff.

The role combines technology exploration with occasional field engineering support. The engineer engages with field users to understand problems, develops and evaluates multiple concepts, and uses calculations, CAD, and appropriately scaled analysis and testing to assess technical risk. Work includes hands-on prototype development and testing with technicians and suppliers, documentation and communication of findings, and support for transferring validated concepts to New Product Development or other commercialization pathways. Technologies may include hydraulics, electrification, sensors and automation, robotics, unmanned aerial systems, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence applications.

The position combines office and CAD work with activity in prototype shops, test fields, and field settings. Some travel to field operations, suppliers, and other Quanta organizations is expected. The role involves independently executing moderately complex assignments, exercising engineering judgment, managing technical work with limited oversight, and guiding junior engineers, interns, designers, and technicians on assigned work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Approximately two to five years of relevant experience, or demonstrated equivalent capability.
• 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, curiosity about unfamiliar technologies, and ability to collaborate and manage several assignments.
• Comfort working 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.

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, maker projects, internships, and co-ops.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with field users and turn loosely defined problems into testable hypotheses.
• Research emerging and competitive technologies.
• Compare multiple concepts, including off-the-shelf options.
• Produce engineering calculations, SolidWorks CAD models, and drawings, and scale analysis, including FEA, to the technical risk.
• Build prototypes with technicians and suppliers.
• Run 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 using observation and analysis to determine root cause and potential corrective action.
• Help hand validated concepts to New Product Development, other Quanta organizations, or other commercialization pathways.
• Independently execute moderately complex design and development assignments and own problems from understanding through concept, analysis, prototype, and test.
• Recommend next actions based on technical risk and work with suppliers, technicians, and field personnel with limited oversight.
• Guide junior engineers, interns, designers, and technicians on assigned technical work.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Career growth and development.
• Close-knit team backed by the resources of a Quanta Services company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level