JOB TITLE: Mechanical Engineer
EMPLOYER: VAG USA, LLC | GA Industries brand
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
REPORTS TO: Manager of Engineering & Project Management
ABOUT US:
GA Industries, founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895, is a leader in the manufacture of valves for industrial and municipal water and wastewater industries in North America. GA Industries is owned and operated by VAG USA, LLC in Mars, Pennsylvania, USA. VAG USA, LLC is a member of Georg Fischer headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
VAG USA, aka GA Industries, plays a leading role wherever water is purified, conveyed, stored, and distributed. With a robust and growing valve-focused product line, our innovative and customized solutions are used in multiple applications and industries. With a focus on the customer, we set new standards in quality and service and strive for manufacturing excellence.
THE ROLE:
GA Industries is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team. This position will play an important role in the design, engineering, and technical support of valve products and systems used in municipal water, wastewater, and industrial applications.
The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, experience with mechanical design and manufacturing processes, and the ability to independently manage technical assignments. This role offers a balance of mechanical design, customer order engineering, and hands-on manufacturing support.
We are looking for a proactive problem solver who takes ownership of their work, collaborates effectively across departments, and continually seeks opportunities to improve products and processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mechanical Design & Engineering- Develop, review, and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation for mechanical components and assemblies.
- Perform engineering calculations and technical evaluations related to component sizing, mechanical loads, torque requirements, material selection, and product performance.
- Review customer specifications, drawings, and technical requirements to ensure product compliance.
- Develop engineering solutions for customer-specific applications, product modifications, and design challenges.
- Evaluate existing designs and identify opportunities for standardization, improved manufacturability, and cost reduction.
- Support engineering change management, including drawing revisions, design updates, and associated documentation.
- Prepare and review technical submittals, engineering drawings, and supporting documentation for customer orders.
- Create and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs), part numbers, and engineering data within the company's ERP system.
- Review and release engineering documentation to support procurement, manufacturing, and order execution.
- Collaborate with Project Management to resolve technical questions, address customer requirements, and support project schedules.
- Coordinate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to resolve technical issues.
- Manage multiple engineering assignments while maintaining accuracy and meeting established deadlines.
- Provide technical support to manufacturing, assembly, purchasing, and quality teams.
- Troubleshoot mechanical design, manufacturing, assembly, and product performance issues.
- Investigate technical problems, identify root causes, and develop practical corrective actions.
- Develop and improve assembly procedures, inspection requirements, and manufacturing documentation.
- Support product testing, inspection activities, and verification of engineering requirements.
- Work directly with manufacturing personnel to improve product quality, assembly efficiency, and overall manufacturability.
- Identify opportunities to improve engineering workflows, documentation, and product standardization.
- Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
- Develop and maintain engineering procedures, standards, and best practices.
- Take ownership of assigned improvement initiatives and help drive them through implementation.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 3+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, preferably in mechanical design, industrial equipment, or manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software and experience creating detailed engineering drawings.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and mechanical assemblies.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations and apply sound engineering judgment to technical challenges.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Detail-oriented with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality, and accountability.
- Ability to work fully on-site.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor or similar 3D CAD software.
- Experience using SAP or another ERP system to manage BOMs, part numbers, and engineering documentation.
- Familiarity with industrial valves, actuators, gearboxes, piping systems, or other fluid-handling equipment.
- Knowledge of applicable industry standards, including AWWA and ASME.
- Understanding of machining, casting, fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly processes.
- Experience with engineered-to-order or configured-to-order products.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations, product testing, and root cause investigations.
- Familiarity with engineering change control and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Prior experience in the valve or waterworks industry is beneficial but not required. Candidates with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and relevant industrial or manufacturing experience are encouraged to apply.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will be an engineer who combines technical competence with initiative, accountability, and practical problem-solving skills.
We value individuals who:
- Take ownership of their assignments and follow through on commitments.
- Are comfortable working both at a computer and directly with manufacturing personnel and equipment.
- Apply sound engineering judgment and develop practical, effective solutions.
- Communicate clearly and work collaboratively with colleagues across different departments.
- Demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to expand their technical knowledge.
- Challenge existing processes constructively and seek opportunities for improvement.
At GA Industries, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of engineered products that support critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
This position offers a unique combination of mechanical design, project engineering, and hands-on manufacturing involvement, providing exposure to the full lifecycle of engineered industrial products.
You'll work closely with experienced professionals across engineering, project management, manufacturing, and quality while contributing to meaningful technical solutions and improvements across the organization.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Office-based position, Monday through Friday.
- Primarily works in an office environment within a manufacturing facility, with regular interaction on the production floor to support employees, managers, and business operations. Requires adherence to all company safety policies and the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering manufacturing or warehouse areas.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Matching 401K Program
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: VAG USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- 3+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software and experience creating detailed engineering drawings
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, and mechanical assemblies
- Ability to perform engineering calculations and apply sound engineering judgment
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and manage multiple responsibilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work fully on-site
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor or similar 3D CAD software
- Experience using SAP or another ERP system to manage BOMs, part numbers, and engineering documentation
- Familiarity with industrial valves, actuators, gearboxes, piping systems, or fluid-handling equipment
- Knowledge of AWWA and ASME industry standards
- Understanding of machining, casting, fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly processes
- Experience with engineered-to-order or configured-to-order products
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations, product testing, and root cause investigations
- Familiarity with engineering change control and continuous improvement methodologies
- Prior experience in the valve or waterworks industry
What We Do
VAG USA, LLC specializes in the engineering, manufacturing, and delivery of high-quality water control valves, sluice gates, and actuation systems. Originally founded in 1895 as GA Industries, the company focuses on providing specialized valve products for the municipal and industrial water and wastewater markets, including dam and hydropower applications.









