Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled mechanical engineer to join our R&D group, designing and improving our water-testing instruments.

The Mechanical Engineer reports to the Director of R&D and is responsible for the design, evaluation, improvement, and support of mechanical components, systems, and equipment used in LaMotte products and manufacturing processes. This position supports product development, equipment design, and continuous improvement initiatives through hands‑on mechanical engineering, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional collaboration.

This role works closely with other R&D scientists and R&D engineers, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Maintenance to support new product development, equipment design, validation, and manufacturing readiness. The position is based at LaMotte’s Newark, DE facility with occasional travel to the Chestertown, MD location. Leadership or mentoring experience is a strong plus.

• Ensures engineering team members, contractors, and technical personnel work safely and comply with all applicable safe work practices and procedures
• Designs, develops, evaluates, and improves mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and equipment in support of new and existing products
• Provides mechanical engineering leadership throughout the product development lifecycle, including concept development, prototyping, testing, and transition to manufacturing
• Develops mechanical specifications, drawings, and documentation to support product and equipment designs
• Reviews and approves mechanical drawings, models, and design changes
• Troubleshoots mechanical design, performance, and reliability issues using sound engineering principles
• Works directly with vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to resolve mechanical design and performance issues
• Supports Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and equipment validation activities as required
• Collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure mechanical designs are manufacturable, reliable, and maintainable
• Supports capital equipment and tooling projects including design input, justification, installation, and startup
• Participates in or leads continuous improvement initiatives, design reviews, and problem‑solving activities
• Provides technical guidance, leadership, and mentoring to junior engineers, technicians, or cross‑functional team members as needed
• Attends project review meetings, cross‑functional design reviews, and Operations or R&D meetings as required
• Conducts oneself professionally and leads by example
• Maintains confidentiality of company and personnel information
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic engineering environment
• Demonstrates strong diligence, accountability, and commitment to integrity
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Ability to lift, move, or transport up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand for extended periods during equipment evaluation or testing
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, lab coat, and chemical respirator as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (strongly preferred) or a related engineering discipline (required)
• 10–15 years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably within manufacturing, product development, or industrial environments
• Experience in Fusion and/or Solid Works is required
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with mechanical system design, troubleshooting, and testing‑; preferably with submersible or waterproofing equipment, optics
• Prior leadership, project lead, or mentoring experience preferred
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Experience with mechanical design, equipment modification, and prototype development
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (including injection molding, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing) and mechanical systems
• Knowledge of modeling FEA would be preferred
• Experience supporting equipment or product transition from R&D to manufacturing
• Familiarity…