Mechanical Designer

Job Title:

Mechanical Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, and analysis of new and existing mechanical products using Solid Works, while also managing engineering projects from concept through completion. The Mechanical Designer works under the direction of the Director of Engineering and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver custom solutions that meet customer requirements and long-term business objectives.

Responsibilities

* Design, develop, and analyze new and existing mechanical products using Solid Works, ensuring designs meet functional, performance, and quality requirements.

* Manage engineering projects under the direction of the Director of Engineering, balancing approximately 50% design activities and 50% project management responsibilities.

* Establish and follow processes for activities that lead to the implementation of systems, procedures, or outcomes related to product design and development.

* Identify long-range engineering and product goals and create detailed plans to achieve them.

* Evaluate future implications of current design and project decisions, and adjust plans to ensure long-term success and maintainability.

* Collaborate with multiple departments, including engineering, manufacturing, and other internal stakeholders, to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.

* Communicate regularly with project engineers to determine which projects remain in-house and which may be outsourced, ensuring effective workload distribution.

* Work closely with customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept (cradle) through completion and delivery (grave), particularly for custom hydraulic cylinder designs.

* Participate in or lead design reviews, incorporate feedback, and update models and drawings as needed.

* Prepare and maintain accurate design documentation, including models, drawings, and project-related records.

* Support continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and standards within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

* Associate degree in Mechanical Design or Engineering, or an equivalent technical qualification in a related field.

* At least 3 years of experience in a Solid Works-based mechanical design role.

* Proficiency in Solid Works for 3D modeling, assemblies, and drawings of mechanical components and systems.

* At least 3 years of experience collaborating with multiple departments, demonstrating strong cross-functional communication skills.

* Ability to manage engineering projects, including planning, coordination, and tracking progress.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for evaluating designs and making sound engineering decisions.

* Ability to understand the needs of a situation and establish effective action plans.

* Capability to evaluate future implications of current design and project decisions.

* Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills when working with internal teams and customers.

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience with hydraulic systems or components, particularly hydraulic cylinders.

* Automotive industry experience or exposure to automotive-related mechanical systems.

* Experience working closely with customers on custom designs from concept through completion.

* Background as a Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, or Project Manager in a mechanical design environment.

* Familiarity with coordinating work between in-house engineering teams and outsourced engineering resources.

* Experience working in an environment where both design and project management responsibilities are required.

Work Environment

The role operates within a collaborative engineering team environment of approximately 10 people, under the direction of the engineering leadership. The Mechanical Designer works closely with project engineers to determine which projects remain in-house and which are assigned to external partners, including international engineering resources. The position involves significant interaction with customers throughout the full product lifecycle, particularly for custom hydraulic cylinder designs.

Work is primarily performed in an office and engineering setting using Solid Works and related engineering tools, with a balanced mix of design work and project management activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and coordination across departments to deliver high-quality, custom mechanical solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Weston, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $31.25/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,…