Mechanical Design Engineer

The Slingmax Group is excited to announce an opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer with Wisconsin Lifting Specialists (WLS), part of the Slingmax Group family. Wisconsin Lifting Specialists (WLS) is a well-established lifting and rigging company that has proudly served manufacturers and material handling organizations for over 50 years. Our reputation is built on engineering expertise, quality craftsmanship, customer service, and a commitment to delivering safe, reliable lifting solutions.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking talented, curious, and driven individuals to join our dedicated team.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for leading projects from initial customer inquiry through design, procurement, manufacturing support, and delivery. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a hands‑on environment, enjoys collaborating directly with customers and production teams, and is motivated by seeing their designs become reality. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing custom below‑the‑hook lifting devices and material handling equipment, performing engineering analysis, managing procurement activities, supporting manufacturing, and ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with company leadership, customers, manufacturing personnel, and suppliers while contributing to highly customized lifting and rigging solutions.

• Quickly comprehend design requirements, specifications, field sketches, and drawings submitted by outside sales staff and customers.
• Drive the quotation process for multiple concurrent projects by establishing alignment with internal stakeholders and customers regarding project scope, requirements, and deliverables.
• Design custom below‑the‑hook lifting devices and other lifting apparatuses commonly used in manufacturing, industrial, and construction environments.
• Perform engineering calculations involving statics, mechanics of materials, stress analysis, weld design, and material selection.
• Utilize Solid Works to create 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) and apply appropriate boundary conditions to validate design performance.
• Apply relevant industry codes, standards, and engineering best practices to ensure safe and compliant designs.
• Design products to meet performance requirements while balancing cost, manufacturability, schedule, and material availability.
• Project Management & Procurement
• Own projects throughout the engineering and fulfillment process.
• Manage design‑specific material procurement and work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Develop an understanding of WLS financial and purchasing systems to effectively support project execution.
• Create and communicate manufacturing schedules using practical resource‑leveling and workload‑balancing techniques.
• Manage project risks while maintaining alignment with customer expectations and business objectives.
• Travel to customer sites as necessary to gather project requirements, develop scope, and build strong customer relationships.
• Act as a trusted advisor through active listening and effective communication.
• Participate in daily Gemba walks with company leaders, manufacturing personnel, and sales staff to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide timely support to manufacturing personnel regarding engineering drawings, fabrication challenges, and assembly questions.
• Work closely with inspectors, fabricators, and assemblers to continuously improve designs and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve design efficiency, and enhance project execution.
• Balance improvement initiatives with the operational demands of a fast‑paced engineering and manufacturing environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university required.

• Proficiency with Solid Works 3D CAD modeling and generation of detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Strong understanding of engineering mechanics, statics, strength of materials, and material selection.
• Experience performing classical engineering calculations and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and engineering reports.

• Experience with heavy steel fabrication, including thick‑section welded and bolted structures.
• Background designing lifting equipment, structural components, or industrial machinery.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial engineering environment.