The Mechanical Engineer III is responsible for developing, designing, and validating innovative engineering solutions that support the safe and efficient transportation of specialized cargo by rail. This position works closely with internal and external customers on a variety of projects, including custom rail fixtures, railcar design and modifications, and the clearance and securement of oversized and out-of-gauge cargo.
The role requires strong technical expertise, effective customer communication, and project management skills to deliver engineering solutions that meet customer requirements, industry standards, and project objectives. Responsibilities include performing engineering analyses, coordinating project activities, and preparing comprehensive technical documentation, including calculations, drawings, presentations, and reports.
This position will design, analyze, and validate new and existing railcar configurations, including railcar modifications, Increased Life Status (ILS) evaluations, and repairs involving multi-axle railcars. Utilize engineering design and analysis tools, including Mathcad, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and ANSYS, to develop models, perform calculations, conduct simulations, and validate engineering solutions.
Prepare, review, and maintain accurate technical documentation, including engineering drawings, calculations, reports, presentations, and graphical analyses, ensuring compliance with project specifications and design requirements.
An Engineer III will also develop and maintain a working knowledge of applicable industry standards, regulations, and requirements, including AWS D15, ASTM, AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), AAR Office Manual, and 49 CFR regulations. They will perform fieldwork, inspections, and on-site technical evaluations as necessary to support engineering projects, validate designs, and address operational requirements.
The successful candidate will also continue professional development and technical advancement, including progress toward Engineer-in-Training (EIT)/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) credentials, where applicable.
Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
- 4–7 years of practical engineering experience in design, analysis, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA), preferably using ANSYS, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience with railcar design, railroad operations, or the freight rail industry preferred.
- Proficiency with engineering design and analysis software, including Mathcad, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and ANSYS, preferred.