Mechanical Engineer/Specialist – Volume Procurement

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / Mechanical Specialist – Volume Procurement

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer / Specialist provides technical and execution support to the Volume Procurement group, enabling the efficient sourcing and delivery of mechanical equipment and engineering services for multiple new generation projects. This role operates in a programmatic environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously by coordinating across engineering design teams, suppliers, procurement, quality, and project controls. The successful candidate ensures technical integrity, procurement efficiency, and alignment with project schedule, cost, and quality objectives from bid through delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Contract Execution

• Develop and issue purchase orders for mechanical equipment and associated engineering services
• Partner with design teams to assemble comprehensive bid packages, including technical specifications, scope of work, and evaluation criteria
• Support supplier evaluation, bid reviews, and technical recommendations for awards
• Administer supplier contracts, including scope clarification, issue resolution, and change management

Manufacturing & Supplier Coordination

• Track manufacturing progress and validate milestones to support progress payments based on supplier performance
• Conduct weekly or biweekly progress meetings with vendors to review manufacturing status, identify risks, and drive issue resolution
• Gather detailed manufacturing schedules and key production milestones and communicate them to project scheduling teams for integration into project plans
• Develop and deliver monthly long lead time projections and status updates to stakeholders
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure adherence to technical, schedule, and quality requirements

Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Review shop drawings and technical submittals for compliance with project specifications
• Ensure Design Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for mechanical systems and components
• Coordinate and communicate witness points and hold points to the Quality team for inspection planning
• Support issue resolution related to design, manufacturing, and supplier performance

Project Coordination & Delivery

• Track and manage delivery of mechanical components to job sites, ensuring alignment with construction schedules
• Collaborate with project leads and project controls teams on schedule, cash flow, and quality performance
• Provide regular updates and clear communication on procurement status, risks, and mitigation strategies across multiple projects

Programmatic Support

• Support a portfolio of projects simultaneously, applying standardized processes and best practices across all procurement activities
• Drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the Volume Procurement function
• Serve as a key interface between engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality, and project execution teams

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred
• Other degrees may be considered with relevant experience
• 5+ years relevant experience with technical training and hands-on experience in mechanical systems, equipment, or procurement-related functions will be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or project execution preferred
• Previous experience in procurement processes, supplier management, and contract administration highly desired
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to lead supplier calls, present updates, and coordinate across diverse stakeholders preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of mechanical equipment used in power generation, industrial, or infrastructure projects (e.g., turbines, pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rotating equipment)
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, shop drawings, and technical specifications
• Experience supporting power generation or utility-scale projects
• Knowledge of project scheduling and cost tracking concepts
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication

Behavioral Attributes

• Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Superior Performance, and Act with Integrity
• Customer focused
• Works effectively in a collaborative team setting