Mechanical Engineer I

Daifuku Automotive America Corporation is a global leader in the manufacture, installation, and service of automated material handling systems. Our Automotive Factory Automation (AFA) division is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to design and develop mechanical components and systems for automotive manufacturing lines.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and detail mechanical components, equipment, and machinery.
• Apply engineering principles to design products, including fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of mechanical products.
• Perform engineering studies to develop reliable and optimal material handling systems (e.g., Electrified Monorail System (EMS), Power & Free conveyors (P&F), Friction conveyors (FDS), Skillet conveyors, slat chain conveyors, vertical lifts, and part carriers) based on engineering best practices or customer requirements.
• Estimate costs for mechanical and structural components of material handling installation projects.
• Assist in design, development, and standard cost evaluations for new conveyor systems and equipment.
• Interface with customers, vendors, and internal departments to gather system requirements and translate them into functional technical specifications.
• Investigate and provide cost-effective material handling alternatives (Value Analysis/Value Engineering).
• Make technical presentations of material handling solutions to customer engineers.
• Assist in supplier assessment and business sourcing.
• Perform engineering assignments using CAD systems (AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Design and detail structural steel support systems for material handling systems.
• Update and modify existing drawings, including dimensioning and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Conduct plant and construction site field inspections; interface with fabrication and manufacturing teams.
• Support field modifications and commissioning activities.
• Order, track, and coordinate onsite materials.
• Visit customer sites for pre-bid and proposal development.
• Provide immediate supervision to employees, including task assignment, shift scheduling, and progress checks.
• Perform other tasks as assigned, including physical tasks such as climbing ladders, scaffolding, and prolonged sitting, standing, or walking.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or 0-2 years of experience in mechanical engineering and design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (2012 or higher) required; 3-D CAD software (Inventor or similar) desired.
• Experience with mechanical systems (e.g., motors, chains) and structural materials (e.g., steel beams, channels, angles).
• Knowledge of steel machining, welding practices, and fabrication methods.
• Strong PC skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project).
• Familiarity with drafting concepts, fabrication practices, and standard material handling/steel design procedures.
• Experience in system design and implementation in an industrial or manufacturing environment (automotive manufacturing strongly preferred).
• Strong estimating skills for mechanical and structural components of material handling systems; experience in bid proposals is a plus.
• Ability to perform engineering studies to develop reliable and optimal systems based on automotive customer requirements.
• Experience communicating with clients, superiors, and peers, including regular status updates.
• Basic experience writing hardware specifications and providing immediate supervision to employees.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, quality/inspection requirements, and measurement techniques.

Skills

• Works precisely with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-managed with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Creativity and latitude in planning and accomplishing goals.
• Willingness to work weekends, nights, overtime, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to travel as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one.
• Optional critical illness and accident insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Company-provided life and disability insurance plans.
• 401K retirement plan with Fidelity.
• 7 paid sick days (prorated based on start date).
• 13 paid vacation days (prorated based on start date).
• 11 paid holidays.
• Yearly performance bonuses.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) reimbursement.