Mechanical Engineer (Solid Handling) – Job Description
Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – Solid Handling Systems
Department: Engineering / Projects / Operations
Reports To: Lead Mechanical Engineer / Engineering Manager / Project Manager
Job Summary
A Mechanical Engineer specializing in Solid Handling is responsible for the design, development, installation, operation, and maintenance of systems that handle bulk solids and dry materials. These systems include conveyors, elevators, silos, hoppers, crushers, feeders, and material transfer systems used in industries such as cement, mining, power plants, fertilizers, chemicals, and manufacturing. The role ensures efficient, safe, and reliable material flow throughout the plant or facility.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Engineering
- Design bulk material handling systems such as conveyors, screw feeders, bucket elevators, silos, hoppers, and storage bins.
- Perform calculations for material flow, capacity, power requirements, and equipment sizing.
- Select appropriate equipment based on material properties (density, abrasiveness, moisture content, particle size).
- Prepare layout drawings, general arrangement (GA) drawings, and technical specifications.
- Review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and mechanical layouts.
System Integration & Project Execution
- Coordinate with civil, structural, electrical, and instrumentation teams.
- Support integration of solid handling systems into plant layouts.
- Review vendor drawings, technical proposals, and fabrication details.
- Support procurement activities and technical evaluations.
- Ensure proper installation and alignment of mechanical equipment.
Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance
- Supervise installation of conveyors, crushers, feeders, and related equipment.
- Support commissioning activities including dry runs and performance testing.
- Troubleshoot mechanical failures such as blockages, misalignment, and wear issues.
- Develop preventive maintenance plans for solid handling equipment.
- Improve system reliability and reduce downtime.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with mechanical design standards and project specifications.
- Participate in safety reviews and risk assessments for material handling systems.
- Ensure safe handling of dusty, abrasive, or hazardous materials.
- Support QA/QC inspections and equipment testing.
Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare engineering reports, calculations, and technical documentation.
- Maintain equipment datasheets, maintenance records, and as-built drawings.
- Review vendor manuals and operation & maintenance (O&M) documents.
- Provide progress reports and technical updates to project management.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 3–10+ years of experience in bulk material handling or mechanical systems design.
- Experience in industries such as cement, mining, steel, power plants, fertilizer, or heavy industry EPC projects is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Bulk Material Handling Systems Design
- Conveyor System Design (belt, screw, chain, pneumatic)
- Hopper & Silo Design
- Equipment Sizing & Selection
- Material Flow & Capacity Calculations
- Mechanical Layout Design
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Fabrication & Installation Knowledge
Standards & Knowledge Areas
- ASME
- CEMA
- ISO
- API (where applicable in industrial handling systems)
Software Knowledge
- AutoCAD
- SolidWorks
- Inventor
- Plant 3D
- ANSYS
- Navisworks
Key Skills
- Mechanical Design & Analysis
- Bulk Material Flow Understanding
- Problem Solving & Troubleshooting
- Equipment Reliability Improvement
- Project Coordination
- Technical Documentation
- Safety Awareness
- Communication Skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- System uptime and reliability of material handling equipment
- Reduction in blockages, spillage, and downtime
- Timely completion of design and engineering deliverables
- Compliance with safety and quality standards
- Efficiency of material transport systems
- Maintenance cost optimization
Resume Keywords
Mechanical Engineering, Bulk Material Handling, Conveyors, Screw Conveyor, Belt Conveyor, Bucket Elevator, Hopper Design, Silo Design, Crusher Systems, Feeder Systems, Material Flow, Solid Handling Systems, Plant Design, EPC Projects, Maintenance, Commissioning, Industrial Equipment.
Industries Hiring Mechanical Engineers (Solid Handling)
- Cement Plants
- Mining & Mineral Processing
- Power Plants (Coal Handling Systems)
- Steel Plants
- Fertilizer Plants
- Chemical Industries
- Ports & Bulk Cargo Terminals
- EPC Engineering Companies
