Mechanical Design Engineer – Automation | Contract-to-Hire | Nashville, TN
Location: Nashville, TN (Onsite)
Employment Type: 90-Day Contract-to-Direct Hire
Schedule: 50+ Hours Per Week | Flexible Start Time (6:00–8:00 AM)
Work Authorization
Local candidates only. Applicants must currently reside within commuting distance of Nashville, TN or be willing to relocate at their own expense before starting.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. We are not able to sponsor or transfer employment visas (including H-1B, TN, OPT/CPT, or other work visas) for this position. No C2C or third-party candidates.
Successful contractors will be eligible for direct hire after approximately 90 days based on performance and business needs.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of custom automated assembly systems. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on creating innovative machine designs for complex automation projects.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing custom automation equipment and can independently execute complete mechanical designs from concept through release while collaborating with Project Engineers during formal design reviews.
Key Responsibilities
- Design custom automated assembly equipment using SolidWorks and Windchill
- Develop complete machine layouts, assemblies, detailed components, and manufacturing drawings
- Independently evaluate engineering requirements and develop practical mechanical solutions
- Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to complex automation and machine design challenges
- Modify and improve existing machine designs to meet customer-specific requirements
- Participate in structured design reviews with Project Engineers and implement design revisions
- Ensure designs meet manufacturability, reliability, safety, and performance standards
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, controls, manufacturing, and systems integration teams
- Maintain engineering documentation and design revisions throughout the project lifecycle
- Deliver accurate, production-ready designs while meeting aggressive project schedules
Required Qualifications
- 6+ years of mechanical design experience within custom automation, special machines, or automated assembly equipment
- Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks (Required)
- Experience with Windchill (Preferred)
- Strong understanding of:
- Automated assembly equipment
- Mechanical machine design
- Pneumatics
- Servo-driven mechanisms
- Linear motion systems
- Bearings, gearboxes, actuators, and power transmission components
- Machine safety standards and manufacturability
- Ability to independently complete complex mechanical designs with minimal supervision
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment
- Excellent communication skills and openness to constructive design feedback
Work Environment
- Onsite position in Nashville, TN
- Approximately 50+ hours per week
- Flexible start time between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM
- Engineering-focused position with no project management or direct leadership responsibilities
- Collaborative team environment supporting innovative automation projects
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