Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

In our 'always on' world, we believe it's essential to have a genuine connection with the work you do. We are adding a Senior Mechanical Engineer to our Automation Team, responsible for designing and building custom automation equipment for manufacturing CommScope's fiber optic products. This position is onsite (five days a week) at our Shakopee, MN facility.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with manufacturing sites to design custom manufacturing equipment to improve quality, increase capacity, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost analyses, and risk assessments for new automation projects.
• Design and propose innovative machine and tooling concepts to improve quality, reduce cycle time, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Generate and present creative ideas to the team, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Deliver new concepts through brainstorming, component research, iterative prototyping, and feasibility testing.
• Develop, build, and test semi-automated equipment for fiber optics manufacturing.
• Perform hands-on bench testing and iterative prototyping as a core part of development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry standards to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to create and implement standardized work instructions for mechanical design processes.
• Engage directly with manufacturing sites to understand real-world constraints and identify opportunities for new design concepts.
• Create equipment designs that prioritize manufacturability, ease of assembly, and user-friendly operation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electrical, software, controls, manufacturing) to ensure seamless integration of mechanical designs into automation systems.
• Prepare complete design documentation packages, including detailed drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, and maintenance guidelines.
• Select commercial components (e.g., pneumatics, electric actuators, sensors) based on sound engineering principles.
• Perform hands-on activities such as assembly, setup, calibration, process development, testing, and equipment qualification.
• Lead and participate in design reviews and feedback sessions with global teams.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Analyze process performance data using tools like Excel or Minitab during equipment development and qualification.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software.
• Proven experience in custom automated equipment design.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems.
• Ability to work directly with automation equipment to ensure functionality.
• Ability to travel up to 15% to global production locations for project intake, development, and deployment.
• Unrestricted work authorization (no current or future sponsorship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PTC Creo.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Direct experience in manufacturing operations.
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM for CAD data management.
• Strong computer skills and adaptability to emerging technologies, including AI.
• Prior experience in new process development and equipment qualifications.

Benefits

The candidate will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) plan, and participation in the Company’s Incentive Plan. Candidates starting with the Company will be eligible for eleven paid holidays in a full calendar year, two weeks of paid vacation (prorated based on start date), as well as other leave options.