Custom Machine Design Engineer Level ll

Title: Custom Machine Design Engineer ll

Company: Trinity Employment Specialists
Location: San Antonio, TX (On-site)
Salary Range: $108,306 - $130,086 / Annually

Job Summary:
Trinity Employment Specialists is seeking a Custom Machine Design Engineer to contribute independently to engineering projects under the supervision of a senior engineer. The role focuses on designing custom, one-off machinery, including CNC winders and electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven equipment. Responsibilities include design, fabrication, installation, startup, and troubleshooting of specialized equipment. Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD is required for producing detailed fabrication drawings with precise tolerances and manufacturability considerations. Experience with automation, PLC systems, hydraulics, and design for manufacturability (motor sizing, gearbox/shaft sizing, bearing selection) is highly valued

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop custom machine designs to optimize equipment performance and manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate with product design engineers to define specifications that align equipment capabilities with product requirements.

• Prototype new equipment or processes to support manufacturing.

• Translate performance requirements into detailed specifications for equipment development or engineering projects.

• Analyze and optimize industrial processes, including layout and equipment placement, to maximize efficiency.

• Recommend process and equipment improvements, incorporating the latest technologies.

• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate automation systems.

• Design test equipment and procedures for evaluating product performance and reliability.

• Work with vendors to source components and manage fabrication, machining, and assembly.

• Prepare technical packages including drawings, BOMs, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates.

• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment to ensure compliance with design specifications.

• Investigate operational issues to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical reports.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required; Master’s preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in custom equipment design.

• Experience in composite manufacturing is a plus.

• Ability to execute defined portions of projects under general supervision of a senior engineer.

• Skilled in creating detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

• Knowledge of shop fabrication, machining processes, and hydraulic system design.

• Experience with automation, PLC systems, DFM, motor sizing, gearbox/shaft sizing, bearing selection, structural and thermal calculations, and tolerance analysis.

• Familiarity with composite, plastic, and sheet metal design is preferred.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Dependable, communicates proactively regarding work progress.

• Applies problem-solving skills and judgment to engineering issues; escalates complex matters appropriately.

• Demonstrates active listening, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving.

• Self-manages workload and priorities with limited supervision; shows emerging leadership.

Technical Competencies:

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on understanding of shop fabrication and machining.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD (2D/3D) for detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs.

• Experience with FEA, material selection, structural/thermal calculations, and tolerance analysis.

• Familiarity with automation, PLC systems, hydraulics, and design for manufacturability.

• Knowledge of composite or nonmetallic product design preferred.

This position requires occasional evening, weekend, overnight, and international travel.

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