Machine Design Engineer

Job Title: Machine Design Engineer Job Description The Machine Design Engineer designs and develops custom automated equipment, primarily for applications in the automotive industry. Using FEA, GD&T, and 3D CAD tools, this role collaborates closely with customers to conceptualize, engineer, and test complex mechanical and electrical systems. The engineer works with components such as gearboxes, electric motors, and load cells, and supports the full lifecycle of equipment from initial design through manufacturing and assembly, ensuring timelines are met and designs are optimized for performance and reliability.

Responsibilities Collaborate with customers to understand project requirements and translate them into concepts for custom automated equipment, primarily serving the automotive industry. Design complex mechanical and electrical systems using 3D CAD tools, including SolidWorks or Inventor, with a focus on gearboxes, electric motors, load cells, and related components. Apply FEA and GD&T principles to validate designs, ensure structural integrity, and maintain dimensional accuracy and manufacturability.

Develop and refine detailed machine designs for both mechanical and electrical aspects of custom automation equipment. Research, quote, and select components for automated equipment, ensuring appropriate specifications, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) to support manufacturing, assembly, and procurement activities. Support manufacturing and machine assembly on the shop floor, monitoring progress and ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.

Identify and implement necessary design changes during manufacturing and assembly to address issues and improve performance or manufacturability. Interact regularly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, propose solutions, and ensure equipment designs align with project needs. Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices, standards, and processes for custom automation equipment.

Essential Skills Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with at least 3 years of machine design experience, or 5–10 years of machine design experience without a degree. Proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically SolidWorks or Inventor, for designing complex mechanical assemblies and automated equipment. Hands-on experience with machine design for custom automation equipment, preferably in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

Strong knowledge and practical application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize designs. Solid understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure precise and manufacturable designs. Experience working with hydraulic or pneumatic systems and integrating them into automated machinery. Ability to research, quote, and select appropriate components for automated equipment based on performance, cost, and compatibility requirements.

Familiarity with automation equipment used in the automotive industry and the specific demands of automotive manufacturing environments. Ability to create, review, and manage Bills of Materials (BOM) to support manufacturing and assembly processes. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective design adjustments during manufacturing and assembly. Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience designing automation equipment specifically for automotive applications. Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks for complex modeling, assemblies, and documentation. Experience creating and managing detailed Bills of Materials for multi-component automated systems. Professional Engineer (PE) license in engineering is highly desirable. Master’s degree in engineering or a related field is a plus.

Experience working in busy, project-driven environments with multiple concurrent automation projects. Comf