Senior Machine Design Engineer
Job Summary:
Farason Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Machine Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design and execution of custom automation systems and special machinery. This position is responsible for developing machine concepts, performing engineering analysis, specifying components, creating detailed machine designs, and guiding projects from concept through installation.
The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical design skills with practical manufacturing knowledge and can successfully collaborate with customers, project managers, controls engineers, machine builders, and vendors throughout the life of a project.
This role offers the opportunity to directly influence machine architecture, engineering standards, and project execution while serving as a technical leader within the organization.
Primary Responsibilities:
Machine Design & Engineering
- Develop innovative machine concepts to satisfy customer requirements and project objectives.
- Review and interpret customer specifications, standards, and technical requirements.
- Design custom automation equipment utilizing sound mechanical engineering principles.
- Perform engineering calculations and document design assumptions.
- Conduct cycle-time analysis and machine performance evaluations.
- Select and specify mechanical components including:
- Servo systems
- Motors
- Gearboxes
- Actuators
- Linear motion components
- Pneumatic systems
- Conveyance systems
- Create complex 3D machine models and assemblies using SolidWorks.
- Generate detailed manufacturing drawings with appropriate GD&T and tolerancing practices.
- Develop complete machine documentation packages.
- Create and maintain machine bills of material (BOMs) within the ERP system.
- Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.
- Drive continuous improvement in design standards, common assemblies, and engineering best practices.
Project Leadership
- Serve as the primary mechanical engineering representative on assigned projects.
- Own mechanical design deliverables from concept through commissioning.
- Manage engineering activities to support project schedules and customer commitments.
- Participate in project planning and design reviews.
- Design machinery within established budgets while maintaining performance objectives.
- Communicate project status, risks, and engineering concerns to project stakeholders.
- Maintain organized and accurate project documentation.
Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead mechanical design reviews with customers.
- Interface directly with customers to clarify technical requirements and present design solutions.
- Collaborate with project managers to support project execution and customer expectations.
- Work closely with controls engineers to develop machine sequences and integrated automation solutions.
- Support purchasing through component specification, sourcing, and technical clarification.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key vendors and suppliers.
- Utilize vendor resources to evaluate and implement new technologies and components.
Manufacturing & Commissioning Support
- Support machine assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning efforts.
- Work directly with machine builders and technicians to resolve design-related issues.
- Review and implement engineering changes as required throughout the project lifecycle.
- Assist with machine startup, debug, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
- Support field installations and startup efforts when required.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience designing custom automation equipment, special machinery, or industrial systems.
- Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design fundamentals and machine design principles.
- Experience specifying motion control and power transmission components.
- Working knowledge of pneumatics and industrial automation systems.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes.
- Experience generating production-level drawings and bills of material.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with robotic automation systems.
- Experience designing high-speed automated machinery.
- Familiarity with machine safety standards and risk assessment methodologies.
- ERP system experience.
- Experience mentoring junior engineers and designers.
- Hands-on machine startup and commissioning experience.
What Success Looks Like:
Within the first year, the successful candidate will:
- Independently lead machine design projects from concept through launch.
- Deliver robust, manufacturable designs that meet customer requirements.
- Collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and project management teams.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the engineering department.
- Contribute to the continued growth and advancement of Farason's automation technologies.