Mechanical Systems Specialist

Via Separations•Watertown, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Via Separations is seeking a Mechanical Systems Specialist to join its Internal Systems group. This hands-on technical leadership position is responsible for assembling, fabricating, and building internal test equipment, including test skids and pilot support systems with pumps, controls, piping, valves, instruments, and wiring. The specialist will also maintain and troubleshoot existing test skids and assets, working from engineering drawings and specifications, sourcing materials, and safely operating hand and shop tools around hazardous liquids and gases. The role is based on-site in Watertown, Massachusetts, with primary work in the laboratory. It may involve occasional travel to support field-deployed pilot units. The specialist will lead build and maintenance activities, coordinate with engineers and external trades, and help ensure work meets safety and quality standards.

Requirements

10 or more years of hands-on experience assembling, fabricating, and maintaining mechanical and piping systems, including pumps, valves, piping, instrumentation, and basic electrical wiring.
Ability to read and work directly from engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications.
Experience using hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines.
Ability to work safely around hazardous liquids and gases.
Experience ordering or specifying materials for fabrication or maintenance work.
Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, piping, and basic electrical or controls systems.
Knowledge of reverse osmosis (RO) and high-pressure system components, operation, and safe handling.
Ability to lead tasks and direct others on build or maintenance work.
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and prioritize and manage tasks using sound judgment.
Ability to use required PPE, including eye protection and a respirator, and strictly follow safety procedures.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and spend extended periods standing and performing hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication tasks.
Must undergo background and drug screening.
U.S. work authorization is required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a laboratory, industrial test or fabrication, or field equipment deployment environment.
Familiarity with piping codes and material standards, such as ASME B31.3, and basic instrumentation or controls wiring.
Experience with chemical process equipment or corrosive-service materials, such as stainless steel and specialty alloys.

Responsibilities

Assemble and fabricate internal test equipment and skids, including pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, controls, and electrical or wiring components.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and specifications to plan and execute builds.
Order and track materials for builds, coordinating with engineering and procurement on specifications and delivery.
Use hand tools and shop equipment, including cut-off saws and pipe threading machines, to fabricate and install piping and structural components.
Lead build sequencing and assign tasks for projects, ensuring work meets quality and safety standards.
Support shipping and receiving as needed, including crating and packaging equipment for outgoing freight.
Coordinate with electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors on installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrades of laboratory equipment and facility systems.
Maintain, inspect, and repair existing test skids and internal systems to keep them safe and reliable.
Troubleshoot mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical issues; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Coordinate with process and systems engineers on equipment modifications, upgrades, and recurring issues.
Follow safety protocols and PPE requirements when working around hazardous liquids, gases, pressurized systems, and powered shop equipment.
Serve as a technical lead, mentor colleagues, and help enforce shop safety and quality standards.
Promptly identify and escalate safety concerns, near-misses, and process deviations.