Research And Development Design Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Company Description
What We Live By......
The McWane Way is a core philosophy outlined by the founder J.R. McWane in 1920. Today It encompasses Teamwork, Excellence, Leadership, Environment, Communication, Accountability, Safety and Trust. All team members at every level are expected to know and work by these principles, values, and behaviors. Most importantly, every team member is expected to be able to answer this question, "What does this mean for me?" This is the all-important question because behavior is the best evidence of a living principle. Join the McWane team on the journey to The McWane Way.
Who We Are......
McWane Inc. has a newly created division, McWane Plant and Industrial (MPI). This new division, based in Birmingham, AL, combines all Plant and Industrial Products in a single customer-focused package. We offer comprehensive solutions through an experienced team of professionals specifically focused on these two special markets. Our Mission is to be the Plant and Industrial supplier who is "easiest to do business with". We will make it easier to engineer, specify, and order components for plants. We will provide greater support for smoother delivery, cost-effective installation, and start-up. Most importantly, we will build strong relationships with design engineers, contractors, plant operations teams and project owners to assure we are their first-choice supplier for both new construction and future upgrades.
At MPI, you will be part of a fast-paced, collaborative, start-up where you can see, firsthand, how your work translates into positive results.
Job Description
MPI products will be manufactured at our MPI Calera location, in Calera, AL, where standardization of best practices and formatting will be fundamental. The MPI division is generating significant growth, requiring collaboration with several sister divisions as internal product knowledge and development mature.
Position
Design Engineer
Location
Birmingham, AL
Reports to
Engineering Manager
Design Engineer - Valves for Waterworks
Launch Your Engineering Career with Real Impact - From Sketch to Shop Floor in Record Time!
Are you a recent grad or early-career engineer ready to dive into hands-on design work that directly shapes critical infrastructure? We're seeking a motivated junior Design Engineer to join our dynamic team, focusing on innovative valve solutions for the waterworks industry. Here, your designs don't sit on a shelf - you'll see them come to life in manufacturing almost immediately, delivering clean water to communities nationwide.
Why This Role is Perfect for Emerging Talent:

• Fast-Track Feedback Loop: Get rare exposure to full-cycle product development. Design a valve component in the morning, collaborate with manufacturing to prototype it by afternoon, and test it on the shop floor - instant proof of your work!
• High-Impact Mission: Contribute to reliable water distribution systems that power cities, agriculture, and everyday life. Your innovations help ensure safe, efficient flow control in municipal water, wastewater, and irrigation projects.
• Collaborative & Cross-Functional: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with manufacturing experts to optimize producibility and partner with our Sales team to tailor solutions for real-world customer challenges.
• Growth-Focused Environment: Perfect for recent graduates or those with up to 2 years of experience. Mentorship from seasoned engineers, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture to accelerate your career.

What you'll do:

• Design and develop valves and components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), incorporating fluid dynamics, materials selection, and industry standards.
• Perform calculations, simulations (e.g., flow coefficients/Cv), and analysis to ensure performance, durability, and compliance.
• Collaborate daily with manufacturing teams for design-for-manufacturability reviews and rapid prototyping.
• Partner with Sales to understand customer needs, propose optimal solutions, and support custom configurations.
• Participate in testing, validation, and continuous improvement of products on the production floor.
• Document designs, create technical drawings, and contribute to project timelines.

Qualifications
What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (recent graduates encouraged!)
• 0-2 years of professional experience; internships, co-ops, or capstone projects in design/manufacturing are a plus.
• Proficiency (or eagerness to master) CAD tools, GD&T, and basic FEA/flow simulation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for hands-on engineering.
• Must be comfortable balancing multiple priorities, coordinating various projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication for cross-team collaboration.
• Familiarity with waterworks standards (e.g., AWWA) is a bonus, but we'll train the right candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating solid models using SolidWorks
• Experience in valve or automotive design

Position Requirements

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, under pressure and within project deadlines
• Ability to work cross-functionally and with other McWane divisions
• Must be able to meet and adhere physical requirements included in traveling various MPI locations with appropriate PPE.
• Must have valid driver license and be eligible for auto insurance coverage.

Additional Information
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. McWane Plant & Industrial. is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.