Mechanical Engineer III

Mechanical Engineer III

Pay Rate Range: $50.00 - 57.00 /hr DOE
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: Approximately 6+ Months (Potential Extension)
Schedule: Full-Time | 40+ Hours per Week | Monday - Friday (Adjusted hours and weekends may be required based on project demands)
Location: Wilmington, NC (100% Onsite)
Job Code: CRNGJP

Tekberry is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer III to support the design, installation, startup, and optimization of manufacturing equipment and automated systems within an advanced manufacturing environment. This position plays a key role in executing equipment projects from concept through operational turnover, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and successful deployment.

As a Tekberry W2 employee, you will have access to health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options.
Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer III will provide mechanical engineering expertise throughout all phases of manufacturing equipment projects, including construction, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and turnover to operations. This role requires a strong field presence, with the majority of time spent supporting equipment installation and startup activities directly on the manufacturing floor.
Key Responsibilities
Project Engineering & Equipment Integration

• Support the construction, installation, debugging, and startup of manufacturing equipment and automated systems.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and timelines to achieve project objectives while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, and external machine builders to ensure successful project execution.
• Assess existing equipment for compatibility with new installation requirements.
• Procure and expedite materials required for equipment modifications and installations.

Mechanical Engineering Support

• Redesign mechanical components to improve installation efficiency, resolve equipment interferences, and address design deficiencies.
• Troubleshoot equipment and direct engineering technicians and trades personnel during problem resolution activities.
• Translate engineering requirements into equipment and process designs that meet operational performance expectations.
• Analyze installation practices and implement improvements to enhance project execution.
• Interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs to support troubleshooting and equipment modifications.
• Support the integration of new equipment into existing manufacturing processes.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide direction and technical guidance to engineering technicians, maintenance teams, contractors, and outside trades.
• Deliver training related to equipment installation procedures and startup activities.
• Collaborate with process, electrical, manufacturing, and IT teams to understand system functionality and project requirements.
• Present technical information and project updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Create, revise, and maintain installation procedures, specifications, equipment documentation, and drawing packages.
• Review and redline installation checklists, schedules, machine specifications, and parts lists.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Support root cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a proactive safety culture across all project activities.
• Ensure safety requirements are incorporated into project planning and execution.
• Identify potential hazards and participate in incident investigations when necessary.
• Maintain compliance with site procedures and engineering standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience supporting manufacturing equipment.
• Hands-on experience working with manufacturing equipment using common hand tools, measurement instruments, and alignment devices.
• Understanding of key process variables, including:
  • Flow
  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • Level
  • Rate
• Familiarity with process piping systems and the ability to interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Understanding of mechanical drive systems, electrical actuators, and pneumatic actuators.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong results orientation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Project management experience, including scope development, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Experience supporting manufacturing equipment installation and startup activities.
• Knowledge of optical fiber manufacturing processes.
• Experience working within industrial construction or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated…