Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Company Overview

BLAC INC. manufactures hydraulic actuators and valves for refineries and power plants worldwide. The company recently opened a valve division in Houston, Texas.

Job Overview

The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects involving electric, hydraulic, and electro-mechanical actuators used in industrial applications. This role serves as the technical liaison between customers, manufacturing, quality, vendors, and internal engineering teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in mechanical and electrical engineering principles and has experience with actuator systems, motion control, hydraulic systems, or industrial automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering projects from concept through production release.
• Review customer specifications, contracts, and technical requirements.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Design, modify, and support hydraulic, electric, and electro-mechanical actuator systems.
• Prepare engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate design reviews and ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Interface directly with customers to clarify technical requirements and provide project updates.
• Support manufacturing, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Evaluate engineering changes and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in root cause analysis and failure investigations.
• Work closely with purchasing and suppliers to source components and resolve technical issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and safety requirements.
• Support product testing, validation, and qualification programs.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to product design, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required to support customer projects, product installations, or field service activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 2-3 years of Project Engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience with hydraulic actuators, electric actuators, control systems, or industrial automation equipment preferred.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, motion control, actuators, valves, pumps, and control components.
• Understanding of electrical systems including motors, sensors, controls, and industrial power distribution.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar.
• Familiarity with PLCs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial control systems preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Working conditions

• Combination of office, manufacturing facility, and customer field locations.
• Exposure to industrial equipment, machinery, and manufacturing operations.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or support critical customer needs.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person