Mechanical Engineer I

Role details

Position Type: Full Time Salary (40 hours/week)

Compensation: Commensurate with experience - Range ($70,000 – $85,000)

Benefits: Health Insurance, Annual Bonus, Stock Options, DTO

Reports To: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Structural/Aerospace Engineering

Certifications: F.E. Engineering Certificate

Preferences: Composites Materials & Structures Certificates, FEA/FEM Ability

Basalt International, Inc. is seeking an entry level mechanical engineer who has a blend of technical, practical, and soft skills. The ideal candidate will have education in composites materials and structures and demonstrate the following skills:

Technical Skills: • Knowledge of Composites: Understanding the properties, behavior, and manufacturing processes of composite materials, including fibers (like carbon, glass, aramid) and matrices (resins, thermoplastics). • Structural Analysis: Knowledge of advanced structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA) specifically for composites. Tools like ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar software should be familiar.

• Material Science: Knowledge of how composites react under various load conditions (tensile, compression, shear, fatigue), environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and over time. • Design and Optimization: Ability to design structures that maximize the properties of composites, such as strength-to-weight ratio. Experience with optimization software could be beneficial.

• CAD/CAM Software: Proficiency in CAD systems for modeling complex composite structures, understanding how design affects manufacturing processes. • Regulations and Standards: Basic understanding of relevant industry standards (like AASHTO, ASTM, ISO for composites) and regulatory compliance for infrastructure, utilities, or other sectors using composites.

Practical Experience: • Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of composite fabrication methods like hand lay-up, vacuum infusion process, vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), etc. • Testing and Validation: Experience with design validation through physical testing, including coupon testing, full-scale testing, and certification processes. • Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues that arise in design, manufacturing, or performance of composite structures.

Soft Skills: • Communication: Skill in communicating complex engineering concepts to non-engineers, including stakeholders, clients, or regulatory bodies. • Innovation: A mindset geared towards innovation, continuously seeking to improve products, processes, or materials. • Team Collaboration: Effective in working with other departments like QC, R&D, and production to bring a product from design to market.

• Adaptability: The composites field is evolving, so adaptability to new technologies, materials, or methodologies is crucial.

Additional Qualifications: • Certifications: While not mandatory, Professional Engineering licensure in the U.S. is preferred. • Academic Background: A minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Structural Engineering. • Continuing Education: Keeping up to date with the latest in composite technology through workshops, conferences, or further education and any required professional development for engineering licensure.

Responsibilities and Duties: • Develop a working understanding of MATLAB design software and custom in-house FEA code • Structural design of FRP composite elements and systems • Structural design of retaining walls, foundations, reinforced concrete, and steel members as needed • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for technical presentations, trade shows, design presentations, and/or project installations • Generate plans, calculations, and load ratings • Research and development of new materials and new design codes pertaining to FRP structures • Assist in formulating new product or system submittals for state or agency approval • Generate shop drawings for fabrication

BII is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person