Mechanical Design Engineer (Ohio)

PHNX Materials • Eastlake, OH

2d

About The Position

PHNX Materials is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to turn process concepts into buildable hardware during the company’s scale-up phase. The engineer will convert layout sketches and process requirements into detailed models, drawings, and specifications needed to fabricate, install, and connect equipment lines, including vessels, skids, piping, supports, and their interfaces. The role works closely with process engineering, R&D, operations, outside fabricators, and EPC partners.

The position supports pilot- and commercial-scale equipment design, from early layouts through fabrication, installation, commissioning, and as-built revisions. Designs must account for access, maintenance, thermal expansion, drainage, safe operation, and the demands of corrosive, abrasive, and high-temperature service. The role also supports procurement, vendor and fabricator drawing reviews, and design updates based on pilot operations.

The position requires U.S. citizenship because personnel accessing controlled information under the relevant contracts must be U.S. citizens.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• About 3+ years of post-graduate experience in mechanical design for industrial, chemical, mining, or process plant equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD, such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD Plant 3D, or similar, and in 2D drafting.
• Ability to produce clear, buildable construction and fabrication drawings.
• Experience taking a concept or layout sketch through to an installed, connected equipment line.
• Working knowledge of piping design, pressure vessel fundamentals, GD&T, weld symbols, and fabrication methods.
• Familiarity with material selection for corrosive or high-temperature environments.
• Comfort working with vendors, fabricators, and contractors, and spending time in a shop or on site.
• Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and engineering rigor.
• U.S. citizenship is required for access to controlled information associated with the contracts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pipe stress or FEA tools such as CAESAR II, ANSYS, or SolidWorks Simulation.
• Exposure to sulfuric acid, chemical processing, mineral processing, or new facility build-outs.

Responsibilities

• Develop layout sketches and PFDs into detailed 3D models and general arrangement drawings for pilot- and commercial-scale equipment lines.
• Produce construction and fabrication drawing packages, including piping isometrics, equipment details, skid and structural support drawings, and bills of materials.
• Design and detail process piping, tanks, pressure vessels, ductwork, conveyors and solids-handling equipment, skids, platforms, and pipe supports.
• Lay out equipment and piping with access, maintenance, thermal expansion, drainage, and safe operation in mind.
• Select pipe, valves, fittings, gaskets, and linings for corrosive, abrasive, and high-temperature service.
• Apply relevant codes and standards, including ASME B31.3, ASME BPVC Section VIII, AWS, and ASTM, and perform or coordinate supporting calculations such as wall thickness, pipe stress, and structural loads.
• Write equipment specifications and datasheets, review vendor and fabricator drawings, and support procurement decisions.
• Support fabrication, installation, and commissioning on site; resolve field fit-up issues and maintain drawings through as-built revisions.
• Iterate with R&D and process engineering to modify designs based on lessons from pilot operations.

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape and build a first-of-its-kind facility addressing major national challenges.
• Dynamic startup environment with a mission-driven team and room to grow.
• Opportunity to revolutionize heavy industries.

What This Job Offers

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