Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support AMVAC’s agricultural chemical manufacturing facility in Marsing, Idaho. As an integral part of the American Vanguard engineering team, the Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the improving, designing, developing, and troubleshooting systems in process and packaging departments at AMVAC’s Marsing location.

This position will provide hands-on engineering support for manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, process improvement, and capital projects. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, strong problem solver, and excellent collaborator who enjoys working in a plant environment and finding practical solutions to equipment and process challenges.

Experience with rotating equipment is important, while experience with bead mills, high-shear mixing, packaging equipment, automation projects, and Lean Six Sigma is a plus.

American Vanguard Company is a diversified specialty and agricultural products company that develops, manufactures, and markets solutions for crop protection and nutrition, turf and ornamentals management. With more than 50 years of experience, American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE: AVD) is a U.S. based global provider of technology solutions for agriculture and related industries.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide Mechanical Engineering support for daily manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot mechanical equipment and process problems and develop long-term solutions.
• Work closely with Operations and Maintenance to identify and eliminate recurring equipment problems.
• Support and improve the reliability, availability, and maintainability of plant equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize rotating equipment, including pumps, mixers, agitators, motors, gearboxes, compressors, and related equipment.
• Provide engineering support for bead mills, high-shear mixers, and other process equipment.
• Lead or support root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve production capacity, equipment reliability, safety, quality, and operating costs.
• Lead and support continuous improvement projects.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Support capital projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop or review equipment specifications, drawings, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Work with equipment suppliers, contractors, and engineering service providers.
• Support equipment selection, procurement, installation, and startup.
• Participate in Management of Change activities.
• Support plant shutdowns, equipment installations, startups, and major maintenance activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, maintenance costs, energy usage, and production losses.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance improvement initiatives.
• Ensure engineering solutions meet company, safety, environmental, and applicable industry requirements.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, and recommendations to plant leadership.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, Quality, and other engineering functions.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and problem-solving ability.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Knowledge of rotating equipment and mechanical systems.
• Ability to diagnose complex equipment and process problems.
• Self-starter who takes initiative and ownership of assignments.
• Strong collaborator and team player who can build effective relationships across departments.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong continuous-improvement mindset.
• Practical, hands-on approach to engineering and problem solving.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate technical information to operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, supervisors, and management.
• Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to use engineering data and analysis to make sound decisions.
• Knowledge of equipment reliability and maintenance practices.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective-action processes.
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge or experience is a plus.
• Experience with bead mills and high-shear mixing is a plus.
• Agricultural chemical, specialty chemical, or process manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Must be able to pass a Department of Homeland Security approved pre-employment criminal background check.

Experience Requirements:

• 5–10 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience in chemical, agricultural chemical, specialty chemical, or similar process manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience with continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, or Lean Six Sigma is a plus.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Engineering degree in a closely related discipline may be considered based on relevant experience.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification is a plus.

OUTSTANDING BENEFITS

American Vanguard provides Industry leading Medical, Dental, and Vision care with very low out of pocket premiums; Life and Disability Insurance for employees and family members; Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match and Employee Stock Purchasing Plans.

AMVAC is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and values diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.