Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Location: Greater Charlotte, NC (on-site)

Industry: Capital Equipment / Engineered-to-Order Systems

Talent Bridge is partnered with a growing engineering and manufacturing organization is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineering Manager to lead a team of designers responsible for supporting custom equipment projects from concept through fabrication. This role is ideal for an engineering professional who enjoys both leadership and hands‑on design, and who thrives in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager will oversee design workload planning, drive standardisation and best practices, and ensure high‑quality 3D modelling and fabrication‑ready drawings for multiple concurrent projects. This individual will also play a key role in shaping processes, developing design tools, and elevating team performance as the organization continues to scale.

• Lead, mentor, and support a mechanical design team, ensuring strong performance, accountability, and professional growth.
• Assign workload, monitor deliverables, and ensure the team meets project milestones and technical expectations.
• Establish and uphold design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks across all design outputs.
• Conduct regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations; foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.

• Oversee creation of 3D models and 2D fabrication drawings using Solid Works for custom mechanical equipment and assemblies.
• Review and approve models, drawings, and BOMs for completeness, accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with internal standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, and manufacturing to ensure seamless transition of designs into production.
• Support root‑cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to design, manufacturing issues, or field performance.

• Develop and implement SOPs, templates, design guidelines, and continuous‑improvement initiatives for the design function.
• Build and track KPIs for design speed, accuracy, and throughput; identify opportunities to reduce rework and increase efficiency.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to optimise workflows, improve drawing packages, and enhance communication between design, engineering, and operations.

• Work closely with Project Engineers and Project Managers to align design schedules with overall project timelines.
• Provide technical leadership during design reviews, feasibility discussions, and manufacturing readiness meetings.
• Communicate design intent and changes across internal stakeholders and external vendors when necessary.
• Support quoting and cost‑estimating activities with accurate and timely design information.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing, equipment, machinery, or engineered‑to‑order environment.
• 2+ years of leadership, mentorship, or team management experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Solid Works (3D modelling, large assemblies, fabrication‑level drawings).
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, and industrial equipment design principles.
• Experience implementing design standards, driving process improvement, and managing workflow for a high‑mix, project‑based environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.