Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing, prototyping, and validating mechanical systems in a hands-on engineering environment. You will develop detailed 3D models and drawings, fabricate prototype components, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform concepts into robust, manufacturable products. Success in this position requires moving quickly from concept to prototype, producing high-quality engineering documentation, and contributing to thoroughly validated product designs.

Responsibilities

+ Design mechanical components and assemblies using CAD tools with a strong focus on manufacturability, performance, and reliability.

+ Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, and specifications that support efficient production.

+ Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and manage design revisions within product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

+ Build and iterate mechanical prototypes in a lab setting using standard machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and basic fabrication tools.

+ Collaborate closely with technicians and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues, refine designs, and support scaling from prototype to production.

+ Support testing activities by helping to develop test plans, executing experiments, and analyzing results to validate mechanical performance.

+ Participate in system integration efforts involving mechanical, electrical, and optical components, ensuring cohesive and functional assemblies.

+ Apply design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles to improve product quality, reduce complexity, and enhance ease of assembly.

+ Document design decisions, test outcomes, and engineering changes clearly and thoroughly to support traceability and continuous improvement.

+ Contribute actively to a hands-on lab and prototype environment by maintaining equipment, promoting safe practices, and supporting team objectives.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent practical engineering experience that demonstrates strong mechanical design capability.

+ Proficiency with Solid Works, including part modeling, complex assemblies, and the creation of detailed engineering drawings.

+ Strong 3D CAD engineering skills with the ability to translate concepts into detailed, manufacturable designs.

+ Hands-on experience using standard machine shop tools such as lathes, mills, drill presses, and basic fabrication equipment, with the ability to safely machine simple prototype parts.

+ Experience working in a lab or prototype environment with a willingness to be highly hands-on.

+ Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with technicians and manufacturing teams to support build, test, and integration activities.

+ Experience working within product lifecycle management (PLM) systems such as Agile, Arena, or Duro to manage revisions and documentation.

+ Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles and their application to real-world products.

+ Ability to support the development and execution of test plans, perform experiments, and interpret test data to guide design decisions.

+ Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality engineering documentation and drawings.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Familiarity with thermal design, including heat transfer fundamentals, thermal modeling, or administering thermal testing.

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Experience with optical or opto-mechanical systems, including basic optical alignment or designing enclosures and mechanisms that integrate optical components.

+ Understanding of wiring and harness routing, as well as systems-level integration involving mechanical, electrical, and optical subsystems.

+ Ability to write and execute detailed test plans, analyze experimental data, and generate clear and thorough test reports.

+ Experience working in small, cross-functional teams where flexibility, communication, and initiative are highly valued.

+ Comfort operating in a fast-paced, prototype-focused environment with evolving requirements and tight iteration cycles.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site, Monday through Friday, for approximately 40 hours per week with the possibility of occasional overtime to support project milestones and testing schedules. You will work as part of a smaller, collaborative team in a lab and prototype environment that includes access to standard machine shop equipment such as lathes, mills, drill presses, and fabrication tools. The setting emphasizes hands-on engineering, frequent interaction with technicians and manufacturing personnel, and close involvement in system integration activities.

The environment supports a practical, safety-conscious approach to building and testing mechanical systems, with regular use of CAD, PLM tools, and test equipment as part of daily work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Kent, WA.

Pay and…