Mechanical Project Engineer I

Vanderlande•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Mechanical Project Engineer I supports Vanderlande’s North American Distribution Team in the Distribution Engineering Department, which designs, specifies, and commissions material handling, warehouse automation, and parcel sortation systems for customers throughout North America. The role ensures designs meet customer requirements, coordinate with other trades to reduce installation conflicts, can be installed efficiently, and are communicated clearly to site teams. The position requires balancing technical design work with collaboration and motivation of the engineering team. The engineer works with stakeholders across disciplines and departments to balance priorities, improve processes, and meet complex project goals. The role calls for strong technical and interpersonal skills, creativity, initiative, and sound judgment about when to resolve issues independently or seek guidance from experienced leaders. Work includes supporting installation and commissioning both on site and from the Marietta office. Domestic travel may be up to 33%, with occasional international opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology; alternatively, an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology with eight years of related experience.
At least five years of related work experience, or eight years of related experience with an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 33%, with occasional international travel opportunities.
Ability to think conceptually about an overall system and translate it into a detailed system design.
Ability to work in an entrepreneurial organization and cooperate naturally as a team member.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to understand and set expectations for deliverables.
Ability to handle time-sensitive situations, quickly set priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
Willingness to learn and a proactive approach.
Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.
Ability to motivate and work well with team members.
Ability to assess situations quickly and take appropriate action.
Strong team mentality and willingness to accept responsibility for project completion.
Ability to prioritize work and activities effectively.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to research solutions.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to drive process improvements.
Experience in project management or leading teams.
Ability or experience using project planning and deliverables tracking.
Ability to use AutoCAD 2D and 3D.
Ability to use Autodesk tools such as Revit, Navisworks, Vault, BIM360, and ACC.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of or experience with OSHA 1910/29 Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
Knowledge of or experience with the International Building Code (IBC).
Knowledge of or experience with ANSI B11 Machine Guarding Standards.
Knowledge of or experience with ASME B20.1 Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment.
Knowledge of or experience with ISO 13849-1.
Experience using commercially available project management software such as MS Project or Primavera.

Responsibilities

Translate customer drawings and specifications into a fully functional mechanical system.
Optimize the design from the as-sold system to a working mechanical design within budget, consulting with Electrical, Controls, Supply Chain, Installation, and other disciplines.
Create 3D system models and manage clash detection.
Prepare associated 2D customer approval and installation layout drawings.
Perform spatial analysis of clearance envelopes, egress pathways, and forklift vehicular aisles.
Perform system- and component-level calculations, including throughput, motor power, belt pull, and reactive forces to building structures.
Engineer project-specific specials for non-standard design applications and non-standard mechanical interfaces.
Apply safety regulations and ergonomics requirements.
Specify required mechanical equipment, including Vanderlande-manufactured and third-party-purchased items.
Create a motor manifest in coordination with electrical and controls engineering requirements.
Document engineering decisions through design plans, complete and clear installation files, and instructions for site supervisors and installation subcontractors.
Travel to sites as needed to conduct site surveys.
Support installation and commissioning on site and from the Marietta office.
Manage project document control using a rights-based database system.