Machine Design Engineer

At Butler Tool, we design, build, and support custom industrial machinery for manufacturers around the world. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys seeing their designs become reality, working closely with skilled tradespeople, and improving complex machinery throughout its lifecycle. While new machine design is part of the role, much of the work involves modernizing legacy equipment, supporting manufacturing, developing tooling, and continuously improving existing designs and their documentation.

Please note that we are currently located in Butler, WI but we are building a new facility that we will be moving to Sussex, WI this fall. This is a fully on-site role with potential of minimal travel is visit local customers.

• Create, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using Solid Works.
• Convert legacy 2D drawings into fully detailed 3D Solid Works models and associated production drawings.
• Create, update, and maintain engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), master part records, and master drawings.
• Design and modify tooling, fixtures, and machine components using established design standards and templates.
• Support the design, improvement, and troubleshooting of custom industrial machinery and automation equipment.
• Review customer drawings and specifications to develop manufacturing-ready designs.
• Recommend design improvements that enhance manufacturability, reliability, maintainability, safety, and overall machine performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and controls engineers throughout the design and build process.
• Provide engineering support to production during fabrication, machining, assembly, and machine commissioning.
• Investigate equipment or design issues and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Assist in developing engineering standards, templates, and best practices to improve design consistency.
• Assist with and/or process engineering change requests (ECRs)
• Support estimating and project management by providing technical input when required.
• Occasionally participate in customer meetings, site visits, or equipment commissioning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency with Solid Works including part modeling, assemblies, configurations, and production drawings.
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Proficiency with Draft Sight or AutoCAD.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T, weld symbols, bills of materials, hole callouts, and fabrication details.
• Experience creating and maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Working knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and resolve design issues.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.

• Experience with Solid Works PDM.
• Familiarity with reverse engineering existing equipment.
• Experience modernizing legacy designs and engineering documentation.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with engineering change management and revision control.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment to verify components and create CAD models.
• Knowledge of material selection for machined, fabricated, and welded components.

• Enjoy improving and modernizing existing machine designs and their documentation, rather than focusing exclusively on new product development.
• Take pride in producing accurate, organized, and maintainable engineering documentation.
• Be comfortable balancing multiple projects and priorities in a custom manufacturing environment.
• Work collaboratively with machinists, assemblers, electricians, manufacturing personnel, and fellow engineers.
• Be willing to spend time on the shop floor supporting fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Have strong mechanical aptitude and enjoy solving practical engineering problems.
• Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve designs, processes, and engineering standards.
• Be detail-oriented while maintaining an understanding of the overall machine and project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, and customers when technical support is needed.
• Take ownership of projects and follow them from concept through manufacturing and machine startup.

Wage Range: $95,000-$105,000

• 100% Paid Premiums for Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and Short-Term Disability
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program with Company Match Contributions
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Annual Bonus
• Up to 100% Tuition Reimbursement Programs