Job Description

ABOUT CHILLERMEN ® :

Chillermen designs, engineers, manufactures, and installs custom process chillers, heat exchangers, and other mechanical equipment. We work closely with OEM customers in the semiconductor, biotech, and construction industries to meet a wide range of speciation for demanding applications. The work location for this position is in Milpitas, CA.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Mechanical Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a small but growing company, we take pride in our hands-on, start-to-finish approach to custom equipment manufacturing. This role involves everything from preliminary system design and drafting to hands-on manufacturing oversight, controls programming, and equipment commissioning at customer sites.

The ideal candidate is a multidisciplinary engineer who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and seeing their designs come to life. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys a balance of engineering design, manufacturing collaboration, and fieldwork.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

System Design & Engineering:

• Create 2D flow diagrams, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings for custom chillers, pump skids, and other equipment.
• Develop 3D models and assemblies using CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks).
• Perform heat transfer, fluid flow, and mechanical calculations as needed.

Manufacturing Support:

• Generate fabrication drawings, BOMs, and detailed work instructions for shop personnel.
• Work closely with fabricators, machinists, and technicians to ensure design feasibility.
• Source and specify mechanical components, pumps, heat exchangers, and other system parts.

Controls & Electrical Integration:

• Collaborate with controls engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, and PLC systems.
• Assist in writing basic PLC and HMI logic for chiller operation.
• Develop system wiring diagrams and schematics.

Documentation & Quality Assurance:

• Draft operation and maintenance manuals for completed systems.
• Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting before delivery.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for designs and processes.

Field Commissioning & Customer Support:

• Travel to customer sites (typically domestic, occasional international) to commission and troubleshoot systems.
• Conduct onsite startups, testing, and operator training.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to customers as needed.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant industry experience (custom equipment, HVAC, refrigeration, industrial fluid systems, etc.).
• Proficiency in 2D CAD (AutoCAD) and 3D modeling (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of pumps, heat exchangers, refrigeration, and fluid dynamics.
• Ability to create detailed mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and BOMs.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work on diverse tasks.
• Willingness to travel (~10-20%) for equipment startup and troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with industrial refrigeration, chillers, or heat transfer systems.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, wiring diagrams, and PLC programming.
• Prior field experience with equipment startups or troubleshooting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and customer interactions.
• Familiarity with welding, pipefitting, and metal fabrication techniques.
• Hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and basic shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of piping systems, fittings, and assembly best practices.

PAY SCALE BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Entry-Level (0-3 years, minimal mechanical design experience)

• $90,000 - $110,000

Mid-Level (3-7 years, hands-on design & manufacturing experience, EIT)

• $110,000 - $130,000

Experienced (7+ years, extensive experience with system design & commissioning, PE)

• $130,000 - $150,000+

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION CONSIDERATIONS:

Performance-based bonuses.

Benefits package.

• Health insurance.
• Paid holidays and time off.
• Employer matching 401k program.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs