Mechanical Engineer 1

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer 1 in Sanford, NC. The position is 100% onsite and follows a first-shift schedule of 6:00 AM–4:30 PM Monday–Thursday, with Friday overtime as business needs require. This is a 12-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is $31/hr full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer 1 will provide hands-on engineering and technical support for a high-volume manufacturing and assembly environment. This position will troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and support improvements to manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment. The engineer will also help develop and improve standard work, balance production workloads, and support New Product Introduction (NPI) and continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and other engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical support for assembly and production issues involving manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Troubleshoot production problems, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and complete required documentation.
• Support process, tooling, and equipment enhancements to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and production performance.
• Develop, document, implement, and continuously improve standard work and manufacturing processes.
• Perform time studies, line balancing, capacity analysis, and workload balancing across production areas to support production targets.
• Support automated testing, fluid fill, A/C charging, validation, and other production equipment as applicable.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturing performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 0–2 years of relevant engineering experience; internships may count toward experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and ability to read engineering drawings, technical documentation, blueprints, and equipment specifications.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and manufacturing/assembly processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve technical issues.
• Strong written communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, organized, safety-minded, and comfortable providing hands-on support on the manufacturing floor.
• Must be able to work onsite full time in Sanford, NC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with root cause investigation, corrective actions, data analysis, validation, and technical documentation.
• Experience supporting assembly or manufacturing processes, including torque tooling, lifting processes, time studies, line balancing, capacity analysis, and standard work development.
• Experience with Creo, AutoCAD, or Geneo.
• Familiarity with automated test systems, fluid handling/fill equipment, refrigerant or A/C charging processes, production equipment controls/interfaces, or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience identifying manufacturing process improvements and implementing sustainable tooling, equipment, or process solutions.

Why This Role?

This position offers excellent hands-on exposure to a high-volume manufacturing environment, with direct involvement in production, assembly processes, tooling, equipment, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will have the opportunity to troubleshoot real production challenges, support New Product Introduction projects, and work alongside experienced engineering, quality, operations, maintenance, and safety professionals. It is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer looking to develop strong practical manufacturing and problem-solving experience.