Mechanical Engineer at IKA-WORKS INC – Wilmington, North Carolina

IKA is where people turn visions into reality. When IKA’s corporate history began in 1910, China had not yet become a People’s Republic, and the term “globalization” had not yet been coined. Today, the IKA Group employs more than 900 people at multiple locations around the world and proudly serves customers such as BASF, Bayer, and Procter & Gamble. IKA is a global market leader in many of its product groups and a recognized example of innovation, development, and growth. As our slogan states: “IKA – Designed to work perfectly.”

IKA is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team! This individual will lead equipment and system projects from concept through startup, ensuring all designs, documentation, and deliverables meet customer requirements, internal standards, and applicable industry regulations. The role will work closely with Mechanical Designers, Industrial Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to develop accurate engineering documentation, support manufacturing, and ensure successful project execution.

• Lead projects through the full lifecycle, including sourcing support, quality control, assembly, FAT/SAT, and startup at customer sites.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet customer specifications, internal requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Create and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Apply sound engineering principles and calculations to ensure designs meet safety, fit, form, and function requirements, as well as applicable industry regulations and standards (e.g., ASME, ANSI, ISO, 3-A).
• Develop, maintain, and release accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), including the creation of subassemblies and proper linkage to drawings.
• Assist in the selection of major project components based on technical, regulatory, and performance criteria.
• Monitor Bills of Materials (BOMs) completeness throughout the project lifecycle and communicate status updates to management.
• Create, review, and analyze Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to validate design intent, functionality, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Identify technical risks or design issues early and proactively escalate or resolve them to keep projects on track.
• Work closely with Mechanical Designers throughout the project lifecycle to ensure alignment on design intent, manufacturability, and documentation accuracy.
• Communicate technical information effectively with customers, Sales, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle, including during FAT/SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Uphold departmental and company policies, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Support Industrial Engineering and the Process Division by providing technical input related to manufacturability, workflow, and production readiness.
• Provide technical assistance to the Service Department, including troubleshooting, issue resolution, and product maintenance support.
• Provide accurate engineering input to support the creation, review, and continuous improvement of technical documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related field from an accredited four-year institution.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, and assembly documentation.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude for prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently while managing multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting customer-facing activities when needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation tools.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed for installation, testing, or troubleshooting support.