Machine Designer

Machine Designer

The Machine Designer will focus primarily on creating detailed designs in NX, dedicating 80% or more of their time to CAD work. This role centers on designing assembly cells (mechanical and robotic), router fixtures, vacuum-formed tools, and trim dies, while collaborating closely with program management, controls designers, and build teams throughout the full project lifecycle. The Machine Designer will participate in project kick-offs, risk assessments, internal design reviews, and design releases, ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient automation and material-handling solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Design assembly cells, including mechanical and robotic assembly cells, router fixtures, vacuum-formed tools, trim dies, and related automation equipment using NX CAD software.
• Spend 80% or more of working time performing detailed design work in NX, including modeling, surfacing, and preparing complete design packages.
• Participate in mechanical kick-off meetings with program managers, designers, controls designers, machine builders, and other team members to review project scope and clarify responsibilities.
• Take ownership of assigned components or sections of each project and ensure that designs meet functional, safety, and quality requirements.
• Participate in electrical kick-off meetings when the design is approximately 50–60% complete, presenting the current mechanical design to controls designers and collaborating on integration details.
• Perform risk assessments for projects using established Excel-based templates, documenting potential hazards and mitigation measures.
• Take part in wiring meetings when mechanical design is mostly complete, working with the team to determine hole locations, routing paths, and dimensions needed for wiring and cable lengths.
• Participate in internal design reviews with programmers and build teams, reviewing the complete design prior to customer release and final sign-off.
• Prepare and release complete design packages to customers, including final models, drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and risk assessments.
• Create, maintain, and update BOMs and risk assessments throughout the project lifecycle, especially when changes occur near shipment.
• Support the build team by clarifying design intent, addressing design-related questions, and ensuring a smooth handoff from design to build.
• Work on a range of project sizes, from single large projects (such as edge fold tools) to multiple smaller projects or engineering changes simultaneously.
• Handle engineering changes and smaller fixtures, typically managing 4–6 such tasks at a time when not assigned to a large, from-scratch design project.
• Apply surfacing techniques extensively for components such as trim dies, routings, and vacuum-formed tools, especially in early project phases.
• Design automation systems such as sonic welders, rotary equipment, conveyor systems, and other assembly equipment as needed.
• Use geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure accurate and manufacturable designs.
• Perform engineering calculations related to forces, weights, inertia, pressures (PSI), and other mechanical parameters to validate design performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet automation, material-handling, and production requirements.
• Update designs, BOMs, and risk assessments prior to shipment to reflect any late-stage changes or improvements.
• Maintain organized project documentation and adhere to internal design standards and processes.

Essential

Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in machine design or mechanical design, specifically involving assembly cells (mechanical or robotic).
• Proficiency in NX CAD software, with the ability to perform detailed modeling and surfacing work.
• Strong CAD proficiency with a focus on machine design and automation systems.
• Hands-on experience designing assembly cells, router fixtures, vacuum-formed tools, and trim dies.
• Knowledge and practical use of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience in automation design, including material-handling equipment and assembly equipment.
• Experience with sonic welding systems, rotary equipment, conveyor systems, and…