Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for providing hands-on technical expertise in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of mechanical systems and equipment. This role requires direct involvement in plant operations, ensuring machinery reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement in accordance with safety, environmental, and production standards. The engineer will collaborate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to minimize downtime and enhance equipment performance.

Key Responsibilities:

- Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

- Perform hands-on maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical equipment, including pumps, conveyors, refiners, pressure vessels, boilers, digesters, screens, dryers, fans, and rotating machinery.

- Analyze mechanical failures and implement root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

- Develop and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM) programs to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.

- Provide technical expertise for shutdown and turnaround maintenance activities in collaboration with maintenance teams.

Plant Operations & Process Optimization:

- Work closely with production teams to optimize mechanical systems for improved efficiency, energy consumption, and production output.

- Assist in troubleshooting and resolving process-related mechanical issues affecting pulp production, chemical recovery, or paper manufacturing.

- Recommend and implement modifications, upgrades, or new technologies to improve equipment performance and reduce operational costs.

Project Engineering & Capital Improvements:

- Participate in or lead capital projects, including equipment installations, modifications, and plant expansions.

- Assist in designing, specifying, and procuring mechanical components, piping systems, and structural supports for mill operations.

- Develop detailed engineering plans, layouts, and technical drawings using CAD software for equipment modifications or new installations.

- Work with contractors and vendors to ensure proper installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation:

- Ensure all maintenance and engineering work complies with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and other regulatory requirements related to paper pulp mill operations.

- Conduct risk assessments and recommend safety improvements for mechanical systems and maintenance procedures.

- Maintain and update engineering drawings, equipment manuals, and maintenance records.

- Train and mentor maintenance personnel on proper mechanical system operation and troubleshooting techniques.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Required Skills & Competencies

- Strong hands-on experience with mechanical systems, heavy industrial machinery, and rotating equipment in a paper pulp mill.

- Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, P&ID diagrams, and technical manuals.

- Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, steam systems, gearboxes, bearings, and lubrication principles.

- Familiarity with vibration analysis, thermography, and other predictive maintenance techniques.

- Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical failures quickly.

- Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for work order management and maintenance tracking.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, coordinating with multiple departments to resolve issues.

- Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.

Education & Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.

- 5 years of hands-on experience in a paper pulp mill or heavy industrial setting.

- Experience in equipment reliability, preventive maintenance programs, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.

- Previous experience working in a unionized environment is a plus.

- Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in reliability engineering (CMRP, CRL) are preferred but not required.

Expectations & Work Environment:

- Work in an industrial manufacturing setting, often requiring hands-on involvement with machinery, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces.

- Availability for on-call support and emergency maintenance situations.

- Commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement in all aspects of plant operations.

- Willingness to participate in training and professional development to stay updated on industry best practices.

About LHH

The world of work is ever-changing and unpredictable. Organizations are constantly fighting a battle to find and maintain their competitive advantage: their talent. To succeed, they can’t just rely on what works today, working tomorrow. They need to be ready for next.

LHH exists to help individuals, teams, and organizations find and prepare for what’s next. With integrated, end-to-end solutions that include Advisory, Professional Recruitment, Career Transition, and Learning & Talent Development, we are uniquely positioned to work together to make a positive impact on the future of every person we work with at every key career moment.

LHH is at the forefront of change to build a bigger, bolder workforce. Every day is a new day to prepare for, and we’re here to make sure the future works for everyone.

A division of the Adecco Group – the world’s leading HR solutions provider – LHH’s 8,000 colleagues and coaches work with 15,000 organizations in over 60 countries around the world. We successfully help close to 500,000 candidates to enhance their careers every year. Our local expertise, global infrastructure, and industry-leading technology allow us to manage the complexity of critical workforce initiatives and the challenges of transformation. It’s why most of the Fortune Global 500 companies choose to work with us.

Apply today!