Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

A manufacturer in Otsego is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and improve mechanical automated systems while supporting company objectives for quality, safety, and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to work on custom machines and automated equipment from concept through production launch, combining strong technical design skills with practical problem-solving. The position is open to a wide range of experience levels, from entry-level to senior, as long as the background in mechanical design and automation is relevant.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using CAD software, primarily Solid Works and some Inventor.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation that support manufacturing and quality requirements.
• Support new product development initiatives from initial concept through production launch, ensuring designs meet performance and reliability goals.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to resolve technical challenges and improve designs for manufacturability.
• Conduct engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, and design validation activities to ensure robust and reliable mechanical systems.
• Manage engineering projects, including planning timelines, tracking budgets, and delivering results according to project objectives.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production personnel and other stakeholders during build, testing, and implementation of equipment.
• Perform or support engineering calculations, testing, and failure analysis, including the use of FEA tools, to improve product performance and reliability.
• Design custom machines and industrial equipment, including automated systems, for diverse applications such as food packaging and automotive industries.
• Work independently in managing your own project load while contributing to cross-functional teams when projects require collaboration.
• Utilize ERP and PLM systems to manage product data, documentation, and project information throughout the development lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with strong proficiency in Solid Works.
• Experience designing custom machines or industrial equipment, including design from scratch.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering schematics, and specifications accurately.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems for managing product and project information.
• Experience designing and developing new products that utilize automation and automated equipment.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own project load while meeting design and delivery expectations.
• Experience performing engineering calculations to support design decisions and validate mechanical performance.
• Experience with FEA analysis and failure analysis to evaluate and improve mechanical designs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field, preferably mechanical engineering.
• Experience with engineering calculations, testing, and failure analysis (including FEA).
• Experience designing machines or equipment for the food packaging or automotive industries.
• Background in new product development, from concept through production launch.
• Experience with conceptual design and machine design for automated equipment.
• Comfort working in a smaller, hands-on environment with direct communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Work Environment

This role is based in a smaller, well-maintained manufacturing facility in SW Michigan that focuses on automated equipment across a diverse range of industries. The mechanical engineering team currently consists of three Mechanical Engineers who collaborate closely with production leadership in a setting where leadership is highly hands-on and directly involved in day-to-day activities. The facility is up-to-date in…