Design Engineer

About the role

This Design Engineer role focuses on creating custom mechanical solutions using SolidWorks, including jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, and specialized equipment for production environments. You will own projects from concept through implementation, working closely with customers and internal teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and perform reliably in real-world applications.

Responsibilities

• Use SolidWorks to design jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, material handling equipment, and other custom mechanical equipment from concept through completion.
• Perform structural design and finite element analysis (FEA) as needed to validate designs and ensure safety, durability, and performance.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings to support fabrication, machining, and assembly activities.
• Collaborate closely with customers to understand requirements, review design concepts, and provide regular updates on project plans, schedules, and design changes.
• Manage projects from cradle to grave, including concept development, design, drafting, fabrication support, assembly oversight, installation coordination, and final implementation.
• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and design reviews while managing customer expectations and project communication.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective by applying strong knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly, and shop processes.
• Support the assembly of your designs in the shop, working hands-on with fabrication and assembly teams to resolve issues and improve designs.
• Support installation and implementation of equipment at customer locations, ensuring proper function and integration into production operations.
• Contribute to the optimization of production processes and workflows by designing tooling and equipment that increase efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Design tooling, jigs, and fixtures that improve precision, repeatability, ergonomics, and operator safety on production lines.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to continuously improve design standards, documentation, and engineering practices.

Essential Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks, with the ability to create complex mechanical designs, tooling, fixtures, and custom equipment from scratch.
• Proven experience in custom machine and tooling design, including jigs, fixtures, end effectors, material handling equipment, and manufacturing solutions for production environments.
• Demonstrated capability to own projects from concept through design, fabrication, assembly, installation, and final implementation, with accountability for project success.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, deliverables, design reviews, and customer communication.
• Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and shop processes to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
• Mechanical design and machine design experience in a production or manufacturing context.
• Ability to perform structural design and FEA analysis when required.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting for mechanical systems and components.
• Computer skills with SolidWorks and Microsoft products.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, and new product development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with AutoCAD for complementary design and drafting tasks.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is favorable.
• Experience working in or with fabrication machine shops and machining equipment.
• Experience in engineering, drafting, and 3D modeling for custom equipment.
• Able to collaborate effectively in a close-knit, multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with customers and internal stakeholders.