Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing custom welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, and automotive assembly equipment using Solid Works and other 3D parametric design tools. The Mechanical Design Engineer contributes to the development of automated test and assembly machines ranging from simple material handling carts to complex weld cells with thousands of components. The position involves structural design, robotics integration, and occasional finite element analysis, while collaborating closely with internal teams and customers to deliver high-quality, production-ready solutions.

Responsibilities

+ Design a wide range of welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, and functional quality inspection gages to support production and assembly operations.

+ Develop mechanical designs for automotive assembly equipment, including automated test and assembly machines of varying complexity.

+ Create detailed 3D models and drawings using Solid Works for custom automated systems, from simple dollies and carts to complex weld cells with thousands of individual components.

+ Incorporate robotics into mechanical designs, including robot end-of-arm tooling and other structural elements used in automated cells.

+ Perform structural design and, when needed, finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure the integrity and performance of critical components.

+ Modify and retrofit existing robot weld cells that are currently in production, updating designs to improve performance, reliability, or manufacturability.

+ Collaborate with the machine shop and fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and align with available machining, sheet metal, and fabrication capabilities.

+ Prepare clear and accurate engineering drawings, models, and documentation to support machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.

+ Participate in new product development activities, contributing mechanical design expertise to cross-functional engineering projects.

+ Interact and interface with customers to review design plans, gather requirements, and provide design updates, typically with minimal travel or external meetings.

+ Apply project management skills to organize design tasks, manage priorities, and support timely completion of engineering projects.

+ Utilize computer programming skills, where applicable, to write or support APIs for Solid Works and improve design workflows or automation.

+ Work closely with other engineering disciplines within the department, contributing beyond core mechanical design responsibilities as needed.

+ Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance design quality, reduce cost, and streamline engineering processes.

Essential Skills

+ Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on machine and equipment design.

+ Hands-on experience with Solid Works or other 3D parametric design software for mechanical and machine design.

+ Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to conceptualize and develop practical mechanical solutions.

+ Prior experience designing machines, equipment, or automated systems, including tooling and fixtures.

+ Proficiency in machine design, tool design, fixture design, and understanding of machining and fabrication processes.

+ Ability to create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings suitable for machining, sheet metal, and fabrication.

+ Experience in mechanical engineering or a related field, supported by a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

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Experience with robotics, including integrating robotic components into mechanical systems and designing related structures.

+ Familiarity with drafting practices and standards for mechanical and machine design.

+ Strong engineering fundamentals in mechanical design, including understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience using Solid Works as the primary design platform, including advanced features and parametric modeling.

+ Exposure to AutoCAD or similar 2D drafting tools for supplemental documentation and layout work.

+ Knowledge of sheet metal design and fabrication techniques for mechanical components and assemblies.

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Experience with machining and fabrication environments, including practical understanding of how designs translate to shop-floor operations.

+ Involvement in new product development projects, contributing mechanical design and engineering input from concept through implementation.

+ Computer programming skills, particularly the ability to write or support APIs for Solid Works to enhance design automation and efficiency.

+ Experience performing or supporting finite element analysis (FEA) for structural components is beneficial.

+ Comfort working across multiple engineering disciplines within an engineering department, taking on varied technical responsibilities.

+ Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and providing…