Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

The Mechanical Design Engineer designs and supports precision work holding solutions and industrial equipment, with a strong focus on chucking systems and machined components. This role works closely with manufacturing, machining, and project teams to ensure that all designs are feasible, manufacturable, and thoroughly documented. The position emphasizes hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and the ability to respond quickly to feedback in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and detailed drawings using Solid Works.
• Develop and modify work holding and chuck designs for industrial and manufacturing applications.
• Revise and update drawings based on machining feasibility feedback from the machining team.
• Collaborate closely with machinists, manufacturing personnel, and project teams throughout the design process.
• Create precise and complete documentation with extreme attention to detail.
• Interpret and apply GD&T appropriately on engineering drawings.
• Manage and organize design data using PDM systems.
• Support projects through concept, design, and production phases, ensuring smooth handoffs to manufacturing.
• Perform basic FEA analysis as needed to validate designs.
• Maintain accurate records and design information within ERP systems.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Incorporate design-for-manufacturing principles and a strong understanding of machining processes into all designs.
• Adjust and improve designs based on practical, hands-on feedback from the shop floor.

• At least 5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering.
• Hands-on mechanical design experience gained through work, trade, apprenticeship, or similar practical paths; no formal degree required.
• Experience designing industrial equipment, specifically work holding or chucking systems.
• Proficiency in Solid Works for parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment with a solid understanding of machining processes and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Ability to react quickly and revise blueprints based on feasibility feedback from machining teams.
• Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply GD&T on drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Experience using ERP systems to maintain design and project records.
• Extreme attention to detail and thorough documentation skills.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Direct experience in a machine shop or manufacturing floor environment.
• Knowledge of lathes, mills, and CNC machining, including CNC lathes and CNC mills.
• Previous experience designing work holding solutions and tooling.
• Familiarity with Cad-Link or similar CAD-related tools.
• Experience working with PDM systems for design data management.
• Project management experience in a machining or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with new product development processes.
• Advanced FEA experience for more complex analysis.
• Exposure to tooling design and industrial equipment design.

The role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing and machining environment where the engineer collaborates closely with machinists and shop personnel. You will regularly interact with mills, lathes, CNC machines, and other industrial equipment, applying design-for-manufacturing principles to ensure that concepts translate effectively to the shop floor. The position relies heavily on Solid Works for 3D modeling and detailed drawings, PDM systems for managing design data, and ERP systems for maintaining accurate project and production records.

The environment values practical, hands-on problem solving, clear communication with cross-functional teams, and meticulous documentation to support the full lifecycle of industrial and work holding equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Prospect Heights, IL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Prospect Heights, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.