Lead Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Refrigeration Systems

This senior-level, hands-on mechanical design role focuses on refrigeration-based product development and manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on ice machines and refrigeration systems. The position functions as a high-level individual contributor, not a people leader, and is responsible for designing complex electro-mechanical systems, supporting testing activities, and troubleshooting production issues. You will lead technical aspects of product development from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams in the lab and on the manufacturing floor to ensure reliable, efficient, and high-quality products.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop refrigeration-based products, including ice machines and associated refrigeration systems, with a focus on robust, manufacturable mechanical solutions.
• Serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for the full mechanical design lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through validation and production release.
• Provide hands-on support for manufacturing operations, including diagnosing and resolving issues when production builds fail or problems arise on the factory floor.
• Participate actively in pilot runs and testing activities in both laboratory and manufacturing environments to validate designs and ensure smooth transition to full production.
• Work cross-functionally with lab, production, and other engineering disciplines to align design intent with manufacturing capabilities and quality requirements.
• Troubleshoot design-related failures in the field, lab, and production, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Lead and coordinate complex product development programs, ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through production while meeting performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Apply a deep understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical system design to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.
• Create, modify, and manage detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD tools (preferably Solid Works), ensuring accuracy and adherence to PDM processes.
• Utilize design tools such as FEA and DFMEA to evaluate designs, assess risks, and drive improvements in reliability and manufacturability.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant regulatory standards (such as UL, CE, and NSF) by incorporating appropriate requirements into the design process.
• Analyze test data and production feedback to make informed design decisions and continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers, as needed, to support component selection, manufacturability, and quality for refrigeration and mechanical components.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead pilot builds, ensuring that lessons learned are captured and fed back into design and process improvements.
• Document engineering work thoroughly, including design rationales, test plans, test reports, and change documentation in accordance with internal processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required; a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
• At least 12 years of mechanical design engineering experience with demonstrated leadership of complex product development programs.
• Proven experience in the refrigeration industry, including hands-on refrigeration and thermodynamics experience, is required.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary teams and bringing products from concept through production.
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical system design for complex systems.
• Expert-level proficiency with CAD software, preferably Solid Works, for mechanical design and modeling.
• Proficiency with Product Data Management (PDM) systems to control and manage engineering documentation.
• Strong mechanical design skills, including experience with Solid Works or similar CAD tools for detailed design and assemblies.
• Proven experience in product development, taking products from concept through production launch.
• Experience supporting production…