Position: Mechanical Design Engineer
Division: Ransohoff
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Team Leader
Exemption Status: Salary, exempt
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of custom machinery by creating detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and documentation under the guidance of senior engineers. This role focuses on building strong fundamentals in mechanical design, manufacturing practices, and engineering standards while gaining hands-on exposure to machine builds, testing, and continuous improvement efforts.
This position is ideal for early-career engineers who want to develop deep technical skills, see their designs built and tested, and grow toward advanced engineering or project-focused roles.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Drafting
- Create and modify mechanical designs and assemblies using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (EPDM) (AutoCAD exposure as needed)
- Produce accurate part and assembly drawings in accordance with company drafting and prototype standards
- Support preparation of customer approval drawings under senior engineer direction
- Assist with drawing package generation for manufacturing and assembly
Engineering Support & Collaboration
- Support senior engineers with engineering tasks across active projects
- Review customer specifications and internal project documentation to understand design requirements
- Collaborate with controls engineers, manufacturing, purchasing, and vendors to support machine design and build activities
Manufacturing & Build Support
- Assist manufacturing personnel by answering design-related questions and incorporating feedback from the shop floor
- Participate in machine builds to gain understanding of assembly methods, tolerances, and fit-up
- Support material selection and learn how design decisions affect cost, quality, and lead time
Testing, Debug & Continuous Improvement
- Participate in in-house testing and machine runoffs, assisting with debugging and documenting issues
- Support engineering change implementation based on test results or manufacturing feedback
- Contribute ideas to R&D and continuous improvement initiatives
Documentation & Standards
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of engineering documentation, including manuals and project records
- Follow established engineering, quality, and documentation standards
- Learn and apply reliability and maintainability fundamentals in mechanical design
What Success Looks Like
- Producing complete, accurate drawings that require minimal revision
- Demonstrating understanding of machine components, assemblies, and manufacturing processes
- Effectively supporting manufacturing and test activities
- Showing steady growth in technical independence and problem-solving ability
Tools & Technologies
- SolidWorks & SolidWorks PDM (EPDM)
- AutoCAD (as required)
- ERP / PDM systems for document and revision control
- Standard mechanical design tools and calculations
Qualifications
- Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or equivalent experience, prefer 2 to 4 years’ experience in relative field. Must have basic knowledge of computers, engineering concepts, and project management with extensive experience in Solidworks (may use AutoCAD also). Project management experience is a plus. Must have basic Microsoft products knowledge.
- Language Skills: Must be able to communicate verbally and/or in writing with other employees, other departments, supervision, customers and management. Must be able to present information to groups of employees, customers, vendors etc.
- Mathematical Skills: Must be able to perform advanced level mathematics reasoning (algebraic formulas, trigonometry and strength of materials for example), as well as use calculations consistent with the design of equipment in the cleaning equipment industry.
- Reasoning Ability: Must be able to identify work process problems and possible solutions.
- Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: Maintain local, regional and/or national membership in appropriate professional organizations/associations.
Physical Demands
Sit at workstation for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to adjust visual focus. May be required to reach, stoop, and/or bend on an as needed basis. Must be able to climb stairs as necessary.
Work Environment
Work in controlled environment of office, along with traditional shop atmosphere. Can be exposed to loud noises and various fumes or smells based on job. Work around high voltage machinery.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None. May assist in the training of new employees.
Travel
Must be able to periodically travel to customer’s jobsite for startups, machine commissioning and warranty work as dictated by project. All projects do not require travel, most stays are from 1 to 2 days some could be more.