Mechanical Engineer - Heavy Equipment & Machinery

Tampa Bay, FL
Full Time
Mid Level
DepartmentHeavy Civil – Mechanical / Equipment Operations
LocationTampa Bay, FL (Project sites may include Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee Counties)
Employment TypeFull-Time, Project-Based
FLSA StatusExempt
Reports ToProject Manager / Senior Mechanical Engineer
Travel RequiredUp to 75% (local job sites)
 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our heavy civil construction team supporting large-scale infrastructure projects across the Tampa Bay region. This includes bridge construction, port and marine facility improvements, roadway and highway development, stormwater systems, and utility corridor installations. The Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for overseeing all mechanical aspects of heavy equipment and machinery operations, ensuring peak performance, regulatory compliance, and project schedule adherence.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Management & Operations

  • Oversee the deployment, operation, and maintenance of heavy construction equipment, including excavators, bulldozers, cranes, pile drivers, dredging equipment, vibratory compactors, and pump systems.
  • Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for all mechanical assets on the project site.
  • Coordinate equipment mobilization/demobilization schedules with the Project Manager and site superintendents.
  • Track equipment utilization, availability, and reliability metrics; report findings to project leadership.
  • Evaluate equipment for fitness-for-purpose before deployment on specific tasks.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

  • Provide mechanical engineering design support for temporary and permanent structures, including shoring systems, cofferdams, pump stations, and material handling equipment.
  • Review and approve submittals for mechanical components, including pumps, engines, hydraulic systems, and structural lift equipment.
  • Perform or oversee load calculations, hydraulic analyses, and mechanical system assessments.
  • Support the design and installation of dewatering systems for below-grade construction in Florida's high-water-table environments.
  • Collaborate with civil and structural engineers to coordinate mechanical interfaces on complex infrastructure systems.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure all equipment operations comply with OSHA 1926 construction standards, FDOT specifications, and applicable Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations.
  • Conduct and document equipment safety inspections, operator qualifications reviews, and load/lift planning.
  • Support the development and execution of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) for mechanical operations.
  • Serve as technical resource for equipment-related incidents, near-misses, and root cause analyses.

Project Coordination & Communication

  • Participate in weekly project coordination meetings, providing mechanical and equipment status updates.
  • Interface with equipment vendors, subcontractors, and owners' representatives on mechanical scope items.
  • Assist with procurement of equipment rentals and capital purchases; evaluate bids and technical proposals.
  • Support project scheduling by identifying equipment critical path items and resolving constraints proactively.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate records of equipment hours, maintenance logs, repairs, and certifications.
  • Prepare technical reports, RFIs (Requests for Information), and change order documentation related to mechanical work.
  • Contribute to as-built documentation and project closeout packages.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required).
  • Master of Science in Mechanical or Civil Engineering (preferred).

Licensure & Certification

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Florida (required, or ability to obtain within 12 months).
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification (required).
  • NCCCO Crane Operator or Rigger certification (preferred).
  • ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor certification (preferred).

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in heavy civil construction (required).
  • Demonstrated experience with large construction equipment fleets on infrastructure projects valued at $25M or greater.
  • Experience working in Florida or similar high-humidity, high-water-table environments strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with FDOT, USACE, and local Tampa Bay municipality standards and specifications.
  • Prior experience with marine or port construction, dredging operations, or bridge construction is a significant plus.

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar CAD/design platforms.
  • Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, diesel engine mechanics, and crane/lifting operations.
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) such as Viewpoint, B2W, or similar.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
  • Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position requires regular work outdoors on active heavy civil construction sites in Tampa Bay's subtropical climate, including exposure to heat, humidity, rain, and variable terrain. Candidates must be physically capable of:
  • Standing, walking, and climbing for extended periods on uneven terrain.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted.
  • Working at heights and in confined spaces (with proper certification/training).
  • Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety vest, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection as required.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($95,000 – $135,000 annually, DOE).
  • Per diem and mileage reimbursement for project site travel.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Professional development support including PE exam reimbursement and continuing education.
  • Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
Building Great Things. For more than 120 years, hard-working, honest, innovative people have been forming what has become the Southland family of companies. We combine the strengths of five subsidiaries that share a dedication to delivering critical infrastructure projects that improve the environment and lives of those around us. You can find the mark of our specialized Infrastructure legacy across all 50 states to ALL OF NORTH AMERICA and more than 60 countries.

Southland Holdings is an EEO employer - M/F/D/V
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