3D Modeling, Analysis Skills, Automation, Best Practices, Bill of Materials (BOM), Change Order Management, Communications Protocols, Configuration Management, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Engineering Change Order, Engineering Drawing, Ethernet, Finite Element Analysis, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, IP (Internet Protocol), Identify Issues, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Mechanical Assembly, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Multitasking, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Data Management (PDM), Product Design, Product Development, Production Support, Project/Program Management, Prototyping, Retirement Plan, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation (fka Cosmos FEA), Structural Evaluation, System Integration (SI), Technical Drawing, Thermal Analysis, Thermal Management, Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), VMS Operating System, Validation Testing, Welding, eCos
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Applications Due By: July 20, 2026
Pay Range DOE: $80,000 - $120,000 annually, based on experience
Work Schedule: Full Time. Schedule TBD (This is a temp-to-hire with the eligibility of full-time permanent placement.)
Benefits:
This position is eligible for Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. All employees may also make pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) contributions to our retirement plan – must be 18 years of age to participate.
Goodwill of Colorado is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) eligible employer.
JOB SUMMARY:
We are looking for a Mechanical Designer with proven expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to contribute to the development of Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems for Department of Transportation (DOT) applications. In this role, you will collaborate closely with manufacturing, electrical, and software teams to create designs that are durable, cost-efficient, and well-suited for both production and field use.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Design and build mechanical components and assemblies for VMS products, including housings, mounting systems, and environmental protection features
- Incorporate Design for Manufacturing (DFM) best practices to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product quality
- Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks
- Oversee design data, revisions, and workflows in PDMWorks, including configuration management and release processes
- Create and sustain SOLIDWORKS macros and PDMWorks automation tools to streamline product scaling (such as adjusting sign sizes, updating configurations, and automatically generating drawings and BOMs) while ensuring consistency and reducing manual effort
- Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SOLIDWORKS Simulation to assess structural integrity, thermal behavior, and stress/strain performance, ensuring designs meet durability and safety requirements before release
- Partner with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot design challenges, support production builds, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with prototype development, production ramp-up, and validation testing under environmental and field conditions
- Collaborate with electrical and software teams to ensure seamless integration of system components
- Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), assembly documentation, and work instructions
- Take part in design reviews and incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education:
- An Associates or Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Experience:
- Experience with PDMWorks or similar product data management systems for handling revisions and maintaining design data.
- Hands-on experience working closely with manufacturing or production teams.
- Experience creating, releasing, and managing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) through completion.
- Experience designing products for outdoor or industrial environments, including IP-rated enclosures, thermal management solutions, and durability considerations.
- Experience designing products for outdoor or industrial environments, including IP-rated enclosures, thermal management solutions, and durability considerations.
- Experience addressing production challenges, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
- Experience using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) within SOLIDWORKS to analyze airflow and evaluate thermal performance in designs.
Other:
- Familiarity with Department of Transportation (DOT) or transportation-related systems, such as signage or traffic control equipment.
- Basic knowledge of electrical systems, including AC/DC power and integration of communication protocols like UART and Ethernet.
- Understanding of structural design standards, with preference for experience applying AASHTO guidelines.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and technical drawing.
- Proven ability to apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles in product development.
- Solid knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques (such as sheet metal, welding, and machining), and assembly processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high level of attention to detail.
Work Environment and Expectations:
- Hands-on collaboration with manufacturing and production teams.
- Combination of design work and shop-floor engagement.
- Occasional support for field installations or issue resolution.
Goodwill is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to employing qualified individuals including those with disabilities, protected veterans and military spouses.
Goodwill participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS: 888-897-7781 orwww.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
We promote a Safe & Drug-free Workplace.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Guide to Physical Requirements:
- Continuously (5-8 hours)
- Frequently (3-4 hours)
- Occasionally (1-2 hours)
- Never
LIFTING: (as defined by ADA)
Heavy: 45 lbs & over - CONTINUOUSLY
Moderate: 15-44 lbs - CONTINUOUSLY
Light: 14 lbs & under - CONTINUOUSLY
CARRYING:
Heavy: 45 lbs & over - CONTINUOUSLY
Moderate: 15-44 lbs - CONTINUOUSLY
Light: 14 lbs & under - CONTINUOUSLY
PUSHING/PULLING - CONTINUOUSLY
REACHING:
Above Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
At Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
Below Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
TWISTING - CONTINUOUSLY
BENDING - CONTINUOUSLY
KNEELING/CRAWLING - CONTINUOUSLY
SQUAT - CONTINUOUSLY
CLIMBING:
Use of legs only (stairs) - CONTINUOUSLY
Use of arms & legs (ladders) - CONTINUOUSLY
HEARING - CONTINUOUSLY
VISION:
Visual, close - CONTINUOUSLY
Visual, distant - CONTINUOUSLY
Visual, depth perception - CONTINUOUSLY
HANDS/FINGERS:
Simple grasping - CONTINUOUSLY
Fine Manipulation - CONTINUOUSLY
Repetitive Movements - CONTINUOUSLY
WALKING - CONTINUOUSLY
STANDING - CONTINUOUSLY
SITTING - CONTINUOUSLY
SPEAKING - CONTINUOUSLY
OTHER, please describe -