Mechanical Engineer
Position Title: Mechanical Engineer
Location: Platte City, Missouri
WHO WE ARE
Central Power Systems & Services is a privately held company with a strong history dating back to 1954. As a growing leader in the critical power industry, we design, manufacture, and support innovative power generation solutions that serve customers across a variety of industries.
Our mission is forging long-lasting partnerships by providing first-class customer support. We accomplish this by investing in our people, delivering quality products, and continuously looking for ways to improve and innovate.
As our Generator Manufacturing Division continues to grow, we are seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, developing innovative products, and seeing their designs come to life.
At Central Power, you won't just sit behind a desk designing products. You'll have the opportunity to work directly with manufacturing teams, influence product development, and play a key role in bringing new ideas from concept to production.
We value individuals who are driven to win, smart, humble, relationship-focused, and committed to doing what is right.
POSITION SUMMARY
Central Power Systems & Services is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of custom power generation equipment and related mechanical systems.
This position will play an important role in developing innovative mechanical designs, improving existing products, and supporting the continued expansion of our Generator Manufacturing Division.
The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on manufacturing experience and the ability to take projects from initial concept through design, testing, and full-scale production.
This role requires someone who is comfortable working across Engineering, Production, Fabrication, Procurement, and Quality to develop practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions.
We are looking for an engineer who enjoys the challenge of designing something new, solving real-world manufacturing problems, and seeing the finished product in action.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Mechanical Design & Product Development
- Design, develop, and improve mechanical systems, components, and assemblies used in industrial power generation equipment.
- Create detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and manufacturing documentation using AutoCAD and other CAD software.
- Develop mechanical designs for generator enclosures, structural frames, mounting systems, ventilation systems, and related equipment.
- Perform engineering calculations and analysis to validate product performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability.
- Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), airflow analysis, and sound attenuation principles to optimize product designs.
- Evaluate existing designs and identify opportunities to improve product quality, performance, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to support product innovation.
- Lead product development initiatives from initial concept and prototyping through testing and full manufacturing implementation.
Manufacturing & Production Support
- Work directly with Production, Fabrication, Machining, Welding, and Assembly teams to ensure engineering designs can be manufactured efficiently and accurately.
- Provide technical support to resolve manufacturing challenges, design concerns, and production-related issues.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Production teams to evaluate materials, components, manufacturing costs, and supplier capabilities.
- Develop and improve manufacturing drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation.
- Identify opportunities to simplify designs, reduce manufacturing costs, improve material utilization, and increase production efficiency.
- Support engineering changes and design modifications to meet customer requirements and operational needs.
- Participate in prototype builds, product testing, and manufacturing process improvements.
Testing, Compliance & Quality
- Lead and support product testing and validation activities to ensure designs meet performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate testing programs for applicable UL, IEC, and other industry standards.
- Review engineering documentation and product specifications to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulatory requirements.
- Evaluate structural performance, airflow, cooling, vibration, and noise reduction characteristics of mechanical systems.
- Investigate product performance issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective design solutions.
- Work closely with Quality and Manufacturing teams to maintain high standards of product reliability and safety.
Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Manage engineering projects from initial design through implementation, ensuring project milestones, budgets, and deadlines are met.
- Coordinate with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure successful project execution.
- Communicate technical information, project updates, and design recommendations to leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Support new product introductions, design improvements, and manufacturing expansion initiatives.
- Balance multiple engineering projects while maintaining accuracy, quality, and timely completion.
- Provide technical guidance and support to other engineering and manufacturing personnel.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Identify opportunities to improve existing products, engineering processes, and manufacturing methods.
- Develop innovative solutions that improve product performance, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Stay current with emerging technologies, materials, and engineering practices within the power generation industry.
- Support standardization of designs, components, and engineering documentation.
- Promote a safety-first mindset in all engineering and manufacturing activities.
WHY JOIN CENTRAL POWER?
At Central Power Systems & Services, you'll be part of a growing company where your ideas, experience, and contributions matter.
We offer:
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Training & Professional Development
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Referral Program
- A Collaborative, Team-Oriented Work Environment
- The Opportunity to Design and Develop Products That Support Critical Power Infrastructure
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution preferred, or equivalent relevant engineering education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of mechanical engineering experience in product design, manufacturing, industrial equipment, or a related field.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and experience with 3D mechanical design software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or comparable CAD platforms.
- Experience developing engineering drawings, mechanical assemblies, and manufacturing documentation.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, structural systems, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations, troubleshoot mechanical systems, and develop practical design solutions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with an understanding of electrical and mechanical system integration.
- Experience working directly with manufacturing teams to support fabrication, machining, assembly, and production.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable full-time attendance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience designing or manufacturing industrial generators, power generation equipment, generator enclosures, or other large-scale industrial equipment.
- Experience with structural analysis and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), thermal management, ventilation, and airflow analysis.
- Knowledge of acoustic engineering, sound attenuation, and noise reduction design.
- Experience with sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining, structural steel, and mechanical assembly.
- Experience with hands-on product testing, validation, and prototype development.
- Familiarity with UL, IEC, and other applicable product safety and performance standards.
- Understanding of diesel and natural gas generator systems, cooling requirements, and mechanical integration.
- Experience with custom-engineered or engineer-to-order manufacturing environments.
- Experience with ERP systems and engineering change management processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage engineering projects from concept through production.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
The successful Mechanical Engineer will:
- Develop innovative, reliable, and cost-effective mechanical designs.
- Successfully move engineering projects from concept through manufacturing.
- Build strong relationships with Production and Engineering teams.
- Proactively identify and resolve design and manufacturing challenges.
- Improve product performance, manufacturability, and overall quality.
- Support the development of new products and the continued growth of our Generator Manufacturing Division.
- Take ownership of projects and consistently look for opportunities to improve processes and products.
WORK CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position operates in both an office and active manufacturing environment.
- Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs.
- May require frequent walking throughout manufacturing facilities to inspect equipment, support production, and participate in testing activities.
- May occasionally be required to lift or move materials weighing 50 pounds or more, with appropriate assistance or equipment.
- Exposure to varying temperatures, industrial noise, moving equipment, welding fumes, sparks, dust, and other conditions commonly found in manufacturing environments.
- May be required to work around energized equipment or participate in controlled product testing under established safety procedures.
- Required to follow all company safety policies and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when entering designated manufacturing areas.
These requirements are representative of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Central Power Systems & Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Central Power Systems & Services maintains a smoke-free and drug-free workplace. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment background checks and drug screening, including THC, in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified at the time of hire.