Mechanical Design Engineer I

Headquartered in St. Augustine, FL, with offices and manufacturing facilities around the globe, Amphenol CIT is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance wire, cable, and medical devices. We provide interconnect solutions for industries such as Aerospace, Military & Defense Electronics, Space, Medical, Test & Measurement, and Industrial.

About the role

A Mechanical Design Engineer I develops and documents mechanical designs in a cross-functional engineering team. This role supports manufacturing, sales, customer service, and quality departments, focusing on high-performance electro-mechanical systems and components, integrated structures, and control panels for aircraft entertainment, navigation, and communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Create designs by analyzing product or equipment specifications, performance requirements, and existing manufacturing capabilities.
• Perform basic design, fabrication, modification, and evaluation of products using engineering principles and analytical tools.
• Develop detailed basic designs using concepts provided by others.
• Research manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations.
• Conduct basic design and review of analyses or tests for new designs, methods, materials, or processes; complete required documentation.
• Develop acceptance criteria, engineering evaluation, test plans, procedures, and reports for basic designs.
• Compile and analyze operation, test, and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment.
• Investigate design factors such as ease of manufacture, material availability, interchangeability, replaceability, strength-weight efficiency, and cost.
• Prepare or direct preparation of product design data, including detailed drawings, assembly drawings, wire diagrams, and installation drawings.
• Develop data and preliminary layouts in response to customer proposal requests.
• Review basic drawings and layouts for clarity, completeness, form, fit, function, and conformity to standards.
• Identify design errors, omissions, and deficiencies; direct revisions and improvements.
• Communicate with customers to understand technical requirements and convey design capabilities or product performance.
• Support preparation of basic technical proposals by reviewing and interpreting specifications and requirements.
• Recommend and incorporate changes to enhance products and processes using continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead product and process improvement initiatives.
• Enhance technical knowledge through reading publications, enrolling in courses, and engaging in professional associations.
• Support project management in creating and maintaining project schedules, resources, and budgets.
• Participate in organizational improvement initiatives in cross-functional team settings.
• Maintain a clean, organized work environment and adhere to safety standards and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in engineering/sciences or related field; no experience required.
• Minimum of four years of industry experience may substitute for a degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.

Skills

• Proficient in MS Office Suite and SharePoint.
• Experience with ERP systems, SAP preferred.
• Skills in 2D and/or 3D design software.
• Knowledge of aircraft structures and avionics systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with regulatory certification requirements for aircraft electrical and avionics systems is a plus.
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced, changing, and ambiguous environment while maintaining a positive team atmosphere.
• Ability to participate in continuous improvement projects and 5S-related performance teams.
• Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across departments.
• Strong communication skills to convey standards and procedures effectively.
• Reliable and flexible to work additional hours on short notice to meet customer or internal demands.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands

• Sit for extended periods while operating a computer.
• Frequent use of hands for typing, handling objects, and verbal communication.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, and lifting objects up to 20 pounds.
• Tasks may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching overhead, and keyboarding.

Work Environment

This role operates in an air-conditioned office environment with desks or cubicles. The physical environment is comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with necessary facilities and hardware. The company culture emphasizes teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, and a business-casual, goal-oriented atmosphere.

Additional Information

• This position requires 10% travel.
• Candidates must qualify as U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents) due to access to ITAR and EAR technical data.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required in specific areas, including safety toe shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
• Amphenol CIT is committed to minimizing environmental impact and adheres to all applicable environmental regulations.