The posting
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
PAY & PERKS
- Pay Rate: $50–$60/year (depending on experience)
- Per Diem: $120/day for hotel and meals
- Schedule: 40 hours/week with overtime potential
- Contract-to-hire opportunity
- Work with a global leader in metals and automation manufacturing
- Project location: Apple Grove, WV – just outside Huntington, WV
SHIFT: 1st shift: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Our client operates a steel manufacturing facility in Apple Grove, WV that is in the commissioning and start-up phase, and is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to lead the on-site installation of mechanical systems across the plant, including equipment supporting PLC and control room environments. This is a hands-on, high-visibility assignment for an engineer who wants ownership of a capital project from planning through commissioning, working directly with site leadership to shape how installation is sequenced and executed in line with the plant's actual operating conditions and efficiency goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the on-site installation of mechanical systems and equipment throughout the facility, ensuring work meets engineering specifications, code, and plant safety standards.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for mechanical installation activity, coordinating contractors, vendors, and internal trades crews.
- Develop and manage the installation schedule, sequencing work to minimize disruption to ongoing steel production.
- Partner directly with site leadership to evaluate installation approach against how the facility actually operates, recommending sequencing, layout, or method adjustments that support the plant's efficiency goals.
- Review and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment specifications, and P&IDs to guide field execution.
- Troubleshoot installation issues in real time, working across electricians, millwrights, and controls technicians to resolve field conflicts.
- Ensure mechanical systems supporting sensitive equipment (e.g., PLC and control room environments) meet required operating conditions.
- Track project progress, budget, and material logistics, escalating risks to site leadership before they affect schedule.
- Support commissioning and startup of new mechanical systems, including testing, balancing, and handoff documentation.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA, local code, and client safety protocols throughout the project.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting (steel, metals, or heavy industrial strongly preferred).
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of degree.
- Demonstrated experience leading mechanical installation projects from planning through commissioning.
- Working knowledge of industrial mechanical systems and equipment infrastructure requirements.
- Experience reading and applying mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications in the field.
- Comfortable working on an active construction site & industrial plant floor and coordinating across multiple trades and contractors.
- Strong communication skills; able to advise site leadership on trade-offs and practical recommendations, not just execute a spec.
- Willing to be on-site full-time in Apple Grove, WV.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in steel, aluminum, or other heavy metals manufacturing.
- HVAC installation and commissioning experience, particularly for PLC/control room environments (temperature, humidity, filtration, positive pressure).
- Familiarity with Allen Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms from an environmental/installation perspective.
- PE license, or actively working toward one.
- Experience managing subcontractors and reading project schedules (MS Project or similar).
- OSHA 30 certification.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
On-site, full-time role based at an active steel manufacturing facility in Apple Grove, WV. Requires regular time on the plant floor, including exposure to heat, noise, and heavy machinery. Standard PPE required.
