Specialist Mechanical Engineering BUILD Leadership Program

Job Summary

The Acuity Inc. BUILD program is a two-year rotational experience that develops high-potential early career talent into impactful professionals through hands-on experience. BUILD participants rotate to a different functional area every six months to build business acumen and skill proficiency. Upon completion of BUILD, participants will have developed broad business understanding, functional expertise, and the professional skills needed to contribute in future career opportunities across Acuity.

 BUILD is designed for early-career talent who are curious, adaptable, and motivated to grow through hands-on experience. Successful participants demonstrate strong learning agility, communication skills, ownership, critical thinking, and a willingness to seek feedback, solve problems, and contribute in a fast-paced environment. BUILD participants are expected to take an active role in their development while building the business, professional, and technical skills needed for future career opportunities at Acuity.

This role is based in Decatur, GA, following a hybrid work model. Throughout the two-year program there may be opportunities to work rotations in other locations including Crawfordsville, IN and Des Plaines, IL. This role starts employment on July 12, 2027.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

BUILD participants also participate in personal growth activities to enhance business acumen, including: 

• Specialized onboarding to ensure integration into the organization and the leadership program.
• One-on-one mentorship from a Mechanical Engineering leader for the duration of the program (and beyond).
• Social and networking events to forge connections with peers and leaders across the business.
• Frequent opportunities to collaborate with program peers to learn about various business processes and initiatives.
• Leadership report-out meetings to share rotational learnings and performance reviews to identify strengths and areas for growth.

We’re looking for early-career talent who:

• Enjoy learning and taking on new challenges
• Take ownership and follow through on commitments
• Collaborate effectively with others
• Seek feedback and continuously improve
• Embrace technology and new ways of working
• Are excited to build a long-term career at Acuity

Key Responsibilities

While business needs determine specific projects, Mechanical Engineering Specialists rotate within functional areas, working on projects alongside experienced engineers.

Engineering tasks include:

• Conceptual design
• CAD
• Prototype and validation
• Certification testing
• Creating supporting documentation
• Factory handoff
• Project management

The main functional area rotations are: 

• New Product Development (rotations available in both Decatur, GA and Des Plaines, Illinois)
• Sustaining (Decatur, GA)
• VAVE  (Decatur, GA)
• Manufacturing (Crawfordsville, IN)

Other exposure areas include, but are not limited to:

• Optical Engineering 
• Light Engine Engineering 
• Outsourced Product Development 
• Product Support 
• Tech Support 
• Post Sales 
• Model Shop 
• Project Management 
• Labs & Certifications 
• Sourcing 

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or equivalent is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• A strong understanding of mechanical and thermodynamic fundamentals is required.
• Experience creating designs in CAD is required. Solidworks is preferred, but any CAD package is acceptable.
• Some level of product design experience is preferred, whether through professional experience, a school project, or a personal project.
• Some level of prototyping and/or fabrication experience is preferred, whether through school or personal projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving and time-management skills are required.
• Availability to travel based on business needs (up to 20%) is required.