Noel Group LLC · 1 day ago
Mechanical Project Engineer
Nomaco is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to support critical manufacturing operations at their Zebulon headquarters and to lead capital projects, including a new plant start-up in the Western U.S. This role blends mechanical design expertise with process engineering principles, project management, and plant-floor problem solving.
Responsibilities
Design and detail equipment, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing systems using SolidWorks and AutoCAD
Develop utility/equipment layouts, material handling solutions, and production line configurations
Partner with Operations to debottleneck processes and improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost
Lead CAPEX projects from inception through completion: requirements definition, scope documents, schedules, justifications, track expenditures, and stakeholder communications
Coordinate procurement activities (RFQs, purchase orders per policy) and manage statements of work and contractor deliverables, including equipment transfers/relocations and new/modified installations
Identify, evaluate, and recommend vendors/contractors for engineering services and equipment procurement
Serve as primary point of contact for vendors/contractors, ensuring clear communication and accountability
Plan and oversee installation, start-up, commissioning, and acceptance testing (FAT/SAT)
Serve as a project manager during the Western U.S. plant start-up phase, providing on-site oversight of contractors and commissioning activities (up to 20% travel for initial 6-12 months)
Provide plant-floor technical support: diagnose equipment/process issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using practical engineering methods
Collaborate with Maintenance on reliability improvements, spares strategy, and safe work practices
Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, training materials, equipment manuals, and project records
Manage document distribution/storage for engineering drawings, specifications, and project documentation to support record-keeping and training
Primarily on-site in Zebulon, NC; may require occasional evening/weekend/holiday hours to support commissioning or troubleshooting 24/7 operations
Act as a technical consultant/SME for cross-functional teams; perform and document technical design reviews
Qualification
Required
3+ years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience managing or supporting capital projects (scope, schedule, budget, contractor oversight)
Proficiency designing mechanical equipment/systems using SolidWorks and AutoCAD (preferred)
Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up in a production environment
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical problems and implement effective solutions
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
SolidWorks proficiency (required); AutoCAD for schematics/layouts (preferred)
Ability to apply core engineering fundamentals (algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and basic statistics) to practical manufacturing problems
Working knowledge of industrial equipment, controls, and common measurement tools; comfortable using basic shop/hand tools when needed
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear technical documents and reports
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities with minimal supervision
Collaborative and safety-minded; models and reinforces safe work practices every day
Ability to work in an industrial environment and perform moderate lifting (up to 50 lbs) and routine physical activities (standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling)
Preferred
Experience with extrusion processes, foam manufacturing, polymer processing, or similar continuous manufacturing
Background in plant start-up/greenfield projects, major facility expansions, or production line relocations
Familiarity with process automation, industrial controls/PLCs, and measurement instrumentation
AutoCAD for schematics/layouts (preferred)