Mechanical Design Engineer-Development Acceleration Team

About the role

The Development Acceleration Team exists to accelerate Intralox's ability to identify, evaluate, and mature new product opportunities. We operate with the mindset of an internal startup, moving quickly from idea to reality through prototyping, experimentation, and customer-driven learning. Our success is measured not by how many projects we complete, but by how quickly and accurately we determine which opportunities deserve future investment. The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for transforming ideas into working demonstrations as quickly as possible. This role combines mechanical design, fabrication, testing, and hands-on problem solving to create prototypes that accelerate learning. The ideal candidate enjoys working with incomplete information, takes action quickly, and understands that prototypes are tools for learning rather than finished products. These designs will help to inform real engineering requirements that downstream teams need to create robust products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build proof-of-concept prototypes. Prototypes may end in the lab environment or be fielded at customer sites for further analysis.
• Develop mechanical assemblies and working demonstrations. Utilize CAD tools and fabrication methods to quickly test concepts.
• Operate and coordinate rapid manufacturing resources including 3D printing and machining.
• Conduct prototype testing and document findings.
• Collaborate with software, automation, and validation engineers to move ideas quickly through the design process.
• Recommend design iterations based on test results and personal observations.
• Support field and customer evaluations.
• Decide on the right combination of our standard products and new concepts to deliver solutions that meet the market need.
• Be a decision maker, understand the problem, assess solutions and decide the best path forward, being able to pivot from that decision once new data suggests a better option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of product development or prototyping experience.
• Proficient at creating detailed parts, weldments, assemblies, and installation drawings. Inventor 3D preferred, but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with commonly used GD&T concepts.
• Computer proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and MS Office; programming languages also desired.
• Travel required (10%) with little notice to support new product installation and troubleshooting; often taking place on weekends and holidays to meet customer scheduling requirements.
• A self-managed individual who is a team player.
• Hands on with a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and climb ladders.
• Position is located at our Intralox office in Hanover, MD.
• Position is in the office 5 days a week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing conveyor, automation, robotics, or industrial systems.
• Proficiency with additive manufacturing technologies.
• Experience working in innovation labs or startup environments.
• Autodesk Inventor experience, especially in sheet metal design.
• PTC Windchill.

Success Metrics

• Prototype development cycle time.
• Quantity and quality of prototype iterations.
• Technical insights generated through testing.
• Reliability of proof-of-concept demonstrations.

What Makes Someone Successful In This Role

• Naturally curious and energized by solving difficult mechanical challenges.
• Strong mechanical design instincts combined with practical, real-world engineering judgment.
• Comfortable moving between CAD software, manufacturing discussions, testing environments, and field applications.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Thrives in environments where problems are not always clearly defined and creative thinking is encouraged.
• Excited by the opportunity to see designs move quickly from concept to prototype to customer application.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and motivated by making products better with every iteration.
• Position is required to be in office 5 days a week when not traveling.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to approach issues from both mechanical and controls perspectives.
• Comfort working in an ambiguous development environment where design objectives, equipment concepts, and performance targets may evolve over time.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, paid time off, 401K, flexible spending account, life and AD&D insurance, long term care, tuition reimbursement, and additional voluntary benefits.

Pay

Salary range $74,300 to $174,300. The position is eligible for one of the following: commissions, discretionary incentives, or production incentives according to the terms of those plans.