Mechanical Systems Design Engineer — Industrial Automation

A day in this role

You start your morning translating a bold concept into a manufacturable design. By midday, you’re iterating a SolidWorks assembly, validating critical features with hand calcs and FEA. In the afternoon, you’re on the shop floor with technicians, fitting a prototype, troubleshooting a mechanism, and capturing improvements for the next release. Along the way, you sync with controls, electrical, and manufacturing teammates to ensure seamless system integration across heavy machinery and automated equipment.

What you’ll do

• Own mechanical system and component design for complex industrial machinery, specialized vehicles, and supporting infrastructure.
• Model precise 3D parts and assemblies in SolidWorks and produce clear, manufacturable drawings.
• Run engineering calculations and apply FEA to confirm strength, stiffness, and safety margins.
• Improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, and efficiency using sound mechanical engineering principles.
• Drive the full lifecycle: concept, prototyping, fabrication, testing, iteration, and implementation.
• Partner with electrical, controls, and manufacturing to achieve robust, integrated systems.
• Evaluate materials, components, and manufacturing processes; compare design alternatives.
• Diagnose issues through hands-on testing and structured troubleshooting; implement continuous improvements.
• Confirm designs satisfy function, specifications, and operational constraints.
• Create and maintain traceable documentation: CAD, drawings, specs, and reports.
• Plan and manage your deliverables, coordinating timelines and priorities to meet project schedules.
• Communicate progress, risks, and design changes to stakeholders with clarity.
• Design with the larger system in mind—anticipating interfaces, loads, and operational scenarios.
• Support installation, commissioning, field testing, and on-site design refinements at manufacturing facilities and project sites.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 1 year of experience in mechanical design, product development, fabrication, assembly, or testing.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Solid grasp of machine design and core mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings and technical documentation.
• Hands-on exposure to fabrication, assembly, prototyping, or test—professional, academic, or personal.
• Ability to perform calculations and assess mechanical performance.
• Analytical mindset, strong problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Clear communicator and collaborative team player; organized with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Background designing heavy equipment, industrial machinery, or automated systems.
• Knowledge of mechatronics, mechanism design, and system integration.
• Familiarity with hydraulics and pneumatics (fluid power).
• Understanding of dynamics, materials, and structural analysis.
• Experience with FEA for design validation.
• Exposure to machining, welding, fabrication, and common manufacturing methods.
• Prototype building, mechanical testing, and equipment troubleshooting experience.
• Comfort with DFM/DFA principles.
• Effective work within multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.

Work style and travel

• Willing to travel to plants and job sites for commissioning, development, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Comfort working hands-on with equipment, prototypes, and production assemblies.
• Flexible to support critical deadlines with extended hours or weekend work when needed.
• Operate in both office and industrial settings.
• Adapt quickly as priorities shift.

Who thrives here

A builder at heart—someone who turns models into machines, collaborates closely with machinists and technicians, and owns outcomes from design through delivery.

• Proven SolidWorks fluency and strong fundamentals.
• End-to-end experience from concept to fabrication, assembly, and test.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and mechanical components.
• Creative, hands-on troubleshooting skills.
• Comfort collaborating on the floor as well as in design reviews.
• Ownership mindset with urgency under tight timelines.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Compensation and benefits

• Base Salary: Starting at $100,000 annually, with compensation determined by experience, qualifications, and technical expertise.
• Equity Compensation: Initial Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) grant valued at $200,000, vesting in equal annual increments over four years (25% annually), subject to applicable grant terms. Equity compensation is separate from base salary, and its actual value may fluctuate.
• Relocation & Housing Assistance: Available for eligible candidates. Specific amounts, eligibility, and terms will be discussed during the hiring process.
• Medical, Dental & Vision: Employer-paid health coverage.
• Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid Time Off: Paid holidays and vacation.

Position details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Work Environment: Engineering offices, manufacturing facilities, industrial environments, and project sites.
• Travel: Travel to project sites may be required.
• Schedule: Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as project needs require.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing fair employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs, without discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic.

Core proficiencies

• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• 3D CAD Modeling
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Equipment Design
• Heavy Machinery
• Machine Design
• Manufacturing Drawings
• Material Selection
• Mechanical Assemblies
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Mechanical Fabrication
• Mechanical Systems Design
• Mechatronics
• Product Development
• Prototype Design & Testing
• SolidWorks
• Hands-on Engineering