Mechanical Engineer Machine Design

Description

FTE Status:
Full Time – 40 Hours

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reports To:

Engineering Manager

Schedule:

Monday – Thursday | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (4/10 Schedule)

Precision. Pride. Performance.

Built in the Gorge. Flown Around the World.

At Applied Aerospace and Defense – White Salmon (Innovative Composite Engineering), we engineer advanced composite solutions that serve aerospace, defense, industrial, marine, automotive, and other high-performance industries. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, just one hour east of Portland, this is where cutting‑edge manufacturing meets an unmatched lifestyle.

Our team takes pride in building world‑class products, solving complex engineering challenges, and continuously improving the way we work. If you are driven by innovation, hands‑on problem solving, and the desire to create equipment that powers next‑generation manufacturing, we invite you to join us.

The Mechanical Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, upgrading, and supporting specialized machines, tooling, and automated systems used to manufacture advanced composite parts and assemblies.

This position combines engineering rigor, creativity, and practical hands‑on execution to transform manufacturing requirements into reliable, efficient, and scalable equipment solutions that strengthen our operational capabilities.

• Design, build, test, and commission custom machines, tooling, and production equipment used in composite manufacturing.
• Develop machine concepts that improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing capability.
• Program and troubleshoot control systems, PLCs, and user interfaces to meet process and operational requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation including requirements, project plans, drawings, solid models, BOMs, operating procedures, and training materials.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, engineering, and leadership teams to understand needs and deliver practical solutions.
• Perform system testing and validation to ensure equipment reliability, repeatability, and performance.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal fabrication teams to source components and maintain project timelines.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, equipment enhancement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply hands‑on fabrication knowledge using a variety of materials, tools, and mechanical systems.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to technicians, machinists, and team members as needed.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to machine or process performance.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant engineering experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial equipment design.
• Proven experience designing, fabricating, and commissioning custom machinery or industrial systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLC controls, automation systems, and machine programming.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations using sound first‑principles methodology.
• Advanced CAD skills in CATIA, Solid Works, or similar design platforms.
• Demonstrated creativity with a track record of innovative machine or tooling solutions.
• Strong understanding of robust machine design, reliability, and manufacturability principles.
• Experience with composites manufacturing, tooling design, heat transfer, or thermodynamics is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• 4/10 Schedule – Three‑day weekends every week
• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Eligible
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Supplemental Aflac Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Paid Time Off
• Career Growth in a High‑Tech Aerospace Environment
• Work Where Others Vacation – Columbia River Gorge Lifestyle

This role is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment and includes regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and hands‑on interaction with equipment and machinery. Occasional lifting up to 75 pounds may be required with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applied Aerospace and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Due to ITAR requirements, applicants must be able to provide proof of U.S. Person status.

We maintain a substance‑free workplace. Pre‑employment, random, post‑accident, and reasonable suspicion testing may apply in accordance with company policy.