Sawmill Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY
The Mechanical Engineer II is an intermediate-level role responsible for independently designing mechanical components, assemblies, and subsystems for sawmill equipment and integrated machine centers. This position applies sound engineering judgment to develop design solutions, perform analyses, support testing and validation, and resolve technical issues encountered during manufacturing, installation, and operation. The Engineer II contributes to project execution, collaborates across disciplines, and supports continuous improvement and product enhancement initiatives.

At this level, the engineer is expected to demonstrate increased technical depth, problem-solving capability, and ownership of assigned scopes of work. Skills include advanced CAD and design practices, applied stress and mechanical analysis, understanding of manufacturing methods, and the ability to evaluate cost, schedule, and risk impacts. The Engineer II should be capable of working with minimal supervision and providing technical guidance to designers and entry-level engineers.              

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Comprehend and perform all duties in accordance with rules, regulations and JSAs.
• Follow safety protocols and report hazards to ensure a safe work environment.

Mechanical Engineering:

• Design and model machine components and sub-systems.
• Properly document equipment changes, update equipment & drawing files.
• Review/check/approve drawings, perform calculations for design.
• Interface with consultants, equipment suppliers and vendors.
• Perform stress/load calculations, simulations, and problem solving.
• Assist to deliver conceptual designs, specifications, and prototypes, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulations.
• Adhere to schedules, meeting deadlines, and performance targets such as uptime improvements and reduced downtime.
• Coordinate closely with maintenance teams, the machine shop, and fabrication teams to align design intent with field execution.
• Assist to collect and analyze operational data to refine and improve equipment designs.
• Support installations, start-ups, and commissioning of new equipment.

Project Planning/Administration:

• Assist in the selection of vendors and equipment, which includes preparation of specifications for machinery and equipment, requests for quotes, analyze orders, and making purchase recommendations.
• Support safety procedures and practices and ensure that contractor safety standards are complied with.
• Coordinate as needed with other departments & inspectors during annual safety & insurance audits.
• Duties may vary by location.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering.
• 3+ years of engineering experience including project management experience in an industrial setting.
• Familiar with engineering analysis methods, including modeling, simulation and optimization of designs.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing engineering best practices: material science, manufacturing techniques, quality management, LEAN principles.
• Skills:
• Working knowledge of Solid Works, AutoCAD and Project Management Software
• Must be able to collaborate effectively with personnel at all levels at the plant locations as well as outside contractors.
• Problem-solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address operational challenges creatively and effectively.
• Technical writing skills, able to communicate clearly and concisely in technical terms
• Ability to occasionally work varied shifts for projects as needed.
• Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the wood and forest products industry
• Valid driver's license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – occasional
• Twist upper body – occasional
• Stoop – occasional
• Lift above waist height - occasional
• Lift over 50 lbs. - rare
• Repetitive use of hands – frequent for clerical duties
• Stand/walk – occasional
• Sit – frequent
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust). 

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.