Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer - Custom Automation & Capital Equipment

Koch Finishing Systems | Caledonia, MI (Grand Rapids Area) | Full-TimeKoch Finishing Systems is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We engineer and build custom automated finishing systems - including automated plating and anodizing lines, material handling systems, process tanks, platforms, and piping - used for cleaning, stripping, electroplating, coating, and conversion coating across a wide range of industries. This role is ideal for a mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex capital equipment engineering challenges, from concept and calculations through fabrication and startup on the shop floor.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $85,000-$120,000 per year, based on experience and qualificationsComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and holidaysOccasional travel for customer visits, installation, and commissioning support

Key Responsibilities

Engineer custom automated capital equipment - including plating/anodizing process lines, tanks, platforms, piping, and material handling systems - applying sound engineering principles to meet performance, safety, and quality requirementsPerform engineering calculations and analysis (structural loads, tank/vessel design, material selection, corrosion resistance) to support design decisionsTranslate customer process requirements and specifications into functional, manufacturable equipment solutionsCollaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated automated systemsOwn mechanical engineering scope from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning, including field troubleshootingProduce 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an output of the engineering processEvaluate customer requirements, budgets, and timelines to develop effective engineering solutionsParticipate in customer-facing concept and design reviews, representing the technical solutionSupport project scheduling and execution with the Project Management team

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required)Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with custom automated machinery, capital equipment, or special machine design - hands-on drafting/design-only experience does not substitute for this requirementDemonstrated experience applying engineering fundamentals: structural/mechanical analysis, material selection, tolerance stack-up, and failure analysisWorking knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, servo/precision motion, and sheet metal or weldment designExperience engineering tanks, platforms, piping, or material handling equipment a strong plus; plating or anodizing process equipment experience a plusProficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an engineering tool; PLM/PDM experience a plusWorking knowledge of GD&T and DFM/DFA principlesUnderstanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and assemblyStrong engineering problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or within a team

Why Koch Finishing SystemsYou will be part of a team that delivers highly engineered, custom automation solutions used by manufacturers worldwide, with the opportunity to see your engineering work through from concept to installation. We're guided by our core values of Integrity, Respect for People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Community Involvement.Equal Opportunity Employer: Including disability/veteran