Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing custom equipment in Solid Works and overseeing assigned equipment design and build projects from concept through completion. The position combines detailed mechanical design, engineering analysis, and hands-on involvement with manufacturing and testing to deliver high-value solutions that meet specific customer application requirements. You will balance desk-based engineering work with regular interaction on the shop floor, ensuring that designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with project schedules and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Design custom and standard equipment based on a thorough understanding of customer specifications and specific application needs, using commonly accepted engineering practices and current industry standards.
• Design mechanical systems and mechanisms such as pallet dispensers, slip sheet dispensers, pick and place systems, pallet conveyors, bucket elevators, pneumatic conveying systems, and screw feeders.
• Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate designs for stress and load conditions, primarily using Solid Works Simulation.
• Design and produce detailed schematics for hydraulic and pneumatic systems to support custom machinery and material handling solutions.
• Utilize an ERP system to create, manage, and modify bills of materials (BOM) for all assigned projects, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Work with engineering staff to provide engineering information and complete design documentation for manufacturing, and follow up as necessary to support proper, timely, and cost-effective manufacture of equipment.
• Provide engineering expertise and support to machine design staff, collaborating on design improvements and resolving technical challenges.
• Perform troubleshooting and problem-solving tasks on equipment during design, fabrication, assembly, and field installation phases.
• Manage and oversee 5–10 projects at various stages (approval, design, manufacturing, testing), maintaining clear priorities and proactive communication.
• Maintain proactive communication and customer contact as necessary to ensure that solutions meet application requirements and deliver high value.
• Work with management to achieve department goals related to product quality, project schedule, and financial objectives.
• Collaborate with all team members to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and professional work environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Approximately 5+ years of experience using Solid Works
• Proficiency in mechanical design and/or machine design.
• Experience designing and producing schematics for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Proficient in FEA for stress and load analysis, preferably using Solid Works Simulation.
• Strong understanding and practical use of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree (noted as a strong preference and a nice-to-have when combined with relevant experience).
• Experience in material handling systems, including dischargers, fillers, conditioners, and dumping solutions.
• Experience in bulk material handling applications across industries such as pet products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
• Comfort working in a smaller company environment with close collaboration across engineering, drafting, and electrical teams.
• Interest in working on custom machines and developing tailored solutions for diverse customer applications.
• Willingness to continually develop skills and knowledge, including leveraging online learning platforms when available.

Work Environment

This role is based in a small, close-knit company of around 40 employees that designs and manufactures filling systems, dischargers, and other bulk material handling systems. The engineering team includes mechanical engineers, drafters, and electrical engineers, fostering a collaborative environment where cross-functional communication is encouraged. You will spend most of your time at your desk working in Solid Works, performing FEA, and managing BOMs in the ERP system, while also regularly interacting with…