Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Refrigeration Systems

Job Description

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 and manufacturing issues, including hands-on troubleshooting on the factory floor.

* Strong grasp of design tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

* Familiarity with regulatory standards such as UL, CE, and NSF and their application in product design.

* Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office products for documentation, analysis, and communication.

* Excellent data analysis and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret test results and production data to guide design decisions.

* Mechanical engineering background with specific experience in refrigeration systems and related mechanical components.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

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