Mechanical Project Engineer

Company Description

Founded in 1991, Western Valve specializes in the remanufacturing of pipeline thru-conduit valves, refurbished to meet American Petroleum Institute (API) 6D standards. Based in Bakersfield, California, the company is a trusted manufacturer of the original DAN-EX Double Block and Bleed Plug Valve, widely used in critical industrial and military applications requiring zero leakage and seal verification. Western Valve prides itself on utilizing modern computerized manufacturing technologies and environmentally friendly practices to provide high-quality, cost-efficient valve solutions. The company's operations support a diverse range of industries, including multi-product pipelines, metering skids, and commercial aviation fueling facilities.

COMPANY: WESTERN VALVE, Inc.

JOB TYPE:

Full-time

LOCATION:

Bakersfield, CA 93311 • In-person only

BENEFITS

- Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)

- Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision) with employer contribution

- Safe Harbor 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

- Life Insurance

- Health Savings Account (HSA)

- Professional development and training opportunities

POSITION OVERVIEW

Western Valve is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented Mechanical Project Engineer

to serve as

Sales Technical Support & Drafting Supervisor

.

This role provides high-level technical sales support while directly supervising two junior draftsmen. You will act as the primary technical bridge and project coordinator between Sales, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Aftermarket services.

Success in this position requires strong practical problem-solving, advanced SolidWorks expertise, and the ability to mentor junior staff while continuously improving processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

- Competitive salary range based on experience and skills: $90,000 – $130,000 annually (final compensation based on experience and skills).

- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and PTO.

- Opportunity to play a key role at the intersection of Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing.

- Professional growth through mentoring, process improvement, and cross-functional leadership.

- In-person work environment with a collaborative team culture in Bakersfield, CA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Technical Support (Primary Focus)

- Serve as the main technical liaison for Sales: review customer specifications, RFQ requirements, and special requests.

- Perform actuator and valve sizing calculations (torque, thrust, gear ratios) and verify selections prior to order placement.

- Complete actuator & valve datasheets and create customer-specific requirement summaries.

- Provide guidance on trim selection, material compatibility, and substitutions.

- Investigate recurring customer/field issues and recommend practical design or process improvements.

Drafting Team Leadership

- Directly supervise and mentor two junior draftsmen on part creation, BOM development, schematics, and expanded view drawings.

- Provide technical direction with emphasis on reusing existing drawings, BOMs, and linked projects for efficiency.

- Review all drawings, BOMs, and documentation for accuracy and completeness before production release.

Project Coordination & Cross-Functional Support

- Facilitate smooth handoffs and collaboration between Sales, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality.

- Support Aftermarket services for Western Valve and third-party plug, gate, expanding gate, slab gate valves, gear operators, and custom requests.

- Serve as second reviewer for drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and critical dimensions.

- Help drive projects from start to finish while reducing interdepartmental friction.

Documentation & Process Improvement

- Manage and maintain updates to Bill of Material in the ERP system to reflect latest customer specifications.

- Organize drawing and Step file libraries for easy access by Sales and external partners.

- Review and update legacy drawings with proper GD&T and inspection requirements.

- Develop standardized processes, work instructions, and training materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).

- 4+ years of mechanical engineering experience in manufacturing (valve engineering or actuator experience strongly preferred).

- Advanced SolidWorks proficiency (modeling, detailed drawings, and mentoring others).

- Prior experience supervising or mentoring junior technical staff.

- Strong project coordination, organizational, and cross-functional communication skills.

- Practical problem-solving ability and comfort interpreting technical drawings and specifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Background in valves, actuators, gear operators, or oil & gas equipment.

- Experience in Aftermarket support.

- Familiarity with ERP systems, GD&T, materials selection, and basic inspection practices.

- Experience developing engineering processes or training documentation.

CULTURAL FIT

We seek a candidate who is highly collaborative and tactful, exceptionally organized, practical and solutions-focused, patient in mentoring juniors, and proactive in building better systems.

Important Note:

This is not a heads-down, isolated design role. It requires active cross-departmental engagement and comfort with open-ended challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and a short cover letter addressing:

- Your experience supervising or guiding drafters/designers

- Your SolidWorks proficiency and any valve/actuator experience

- Why you enjoy working at the intersection of Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing

We look forward to meeting practical Mechanical Project Engineers ready to provide strong technical sales support and lead our drafting efforts.