Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Position Overview:
The Senior Mechanical Project Engineer is responsible for design  of equipment to improve current manufacturing processes at Gopher Resource’s two secondary lead smelting plants. Projects will involve detailed mechanical design and 3D CAD modelling, coordination with trades and external contractors, and on-site installation support. Project involvement will span from conceptual design to industrial installation. The right individual will be capable of designing equipment based on internal customer feedback as well as first-hand observations in an industrial environment. Must be able to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams at multiple manufacturing sites.  This position reports to the Senior Director of Engineering and Technology.

This posting is for 1 opening based in Eagan, MN.

Critical Success Criteria:

• Applies sound engineering principles to the design of manufacturing equipment.
• Develops working knowledge of existing processes and leverages both internal and external subject matter expertise to advance projects.
• Effectively leads equipment design projects by providing technical expertise, creating and/or reviewing designs, and managing project deliverables through commissioning.
• Works safely in lab and manufacturing environments and sets an example by following EHS procedures and looking for opportunities to keep all employees safer.
• Identifies, evaluates, and implements new technology into the manufacturing process.

Responsibilities:

• Develops mechanical and process designs for new equipment, with support from internal or external resources as needed.
• Develops installation specifications and commissioning plans for new equipment. Supports installations on-site.
• Works closely with the plant Process Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, and department managers/supervisors. Solicits input and builds consensus for upcoming changes.
• Organizes and manages workload across multiple projects to assure high quality and timely service to all internal and external customers.
• Updates documentation (equipment drawings, GAs, etc.) based on field verifications of current equipment and equipment modifications. Makes updates personally or provides redlines to drafting resources.
• Conducts cost analysis weighing the pros/cons of various options and the impact to plant operations.
• Performs and documents equipment trials and/or experiments as needed to determine if proposed solutions are viable.
• Works with the Training Department to develop training for new equipment installations or process changes.
• Responds promptly and effectively to the needs of the business.
   

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar from an accredited College or University
• 5+ years of progressive experience in an engineering role in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of previous work experience with mechanical design of process equipment.
• Previous experience working with equipment fabricators and machine shops for fabrication of complex equipment assemblies and parts.
• Previous experience working with engineering specialists such as engineering designers, Structural Engineers, engineering modeling specialists (CFD, FEA etc.), instrumentation experts, etc.
• Previous experience with 2D and 3D CAD software (Autodesk Suite), reverse engineering mechanical systems, and 3D scanning and point clouds.
• Previous experience with generating, updating, and organizing engineering documentation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to champion change, promote a positive team atmosphere, and sustain a continuous improvement culture.
• Highly self-motivated and directed, ability to work well under pressure during time limited installation, sense of urgency, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience with developing specifications and installing custom equipment in partnership with equipment fabricators and multidisciplinary on-site contractors (millwrights, pipefitters, electricians, etc.).Previous experience with project management software (Microsoft Project or similar) preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience working in a mining and/or metals environment preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience with gas fired furnaces and/or burner design preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to wear a full-face respirator mask directly against skin (e.g. clean shaven if applicable), work in a hot/high temperature production facility, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas with or without reasonable accommodation
• Willingness and ability to comply with safety protocols and company-provided decontamination measures which include utilizing private shower facilities upon leaving the plant environment with or without reasonable accommodation

Compensation Information:
Salary Range: $131,321.84 to $216,545.66. This position is also eligible for a short-term incentive plan which is determined by the achievement of strategic objectives. The market rate for the role is typically at the midpoint of the salary range; however, variations in final salary are determined by additional factors such as candidate qualifications, relevant years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions for the specific role.
Benefits: Gopher Resource is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that promotes the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees. List of benefit offerings include medical & pharmacy, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), dependent care spending account, life insurance, disability programs, telemedicine, parental leave, tuition support, legal insurance, identity theft protection, gym membership discounts, EAP, 401(k) with a company match, and paid time off (vacation, personal, bereavement, holidays).

Gopher Resource is an Equal Opportunity Employer.