Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer -Automation Projects (Overall Project In-Charge)
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer (OverallProject In-Charge) to take total ownership of end-to-end custom automationprojects. In this high-accountability role, you will act as both the leadmechanical authority and the overall project manager , taking customrobotic workcells, automated assembly systems, and turnkey machinery frominitial customer requirements through concept design, detailed 3D CAD modeling,fabrication, assembly, controls integration, and client handover.
You will lead cross-functional engineering teams (electrical,controls/PLC, vision, and assembly technicians), manage project schedules andbudgets, and serve as the single point of contact for external clients and keystakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall Project Ownership & Management (In-Charge Scope)
- End-to-End Ownership: Serve as the single accountable lead for project delivery, ensuring automation systems are completed on schedule, within budget, and to customer specifications.
- Scope & Schedule Control: Develop detailed project timelines, track milestones, manage change orders (ECOs), and proactively mitigate technical or supply-chain risks.
- Budget & Financial Management: Monitor project expenditure, material/component costs, labor hours, and sub-contractor fees to maintain targets.
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Lead daily stand-ups and design reviews across mechanical, electrical, PLC/controls software, and build teams to ensure smooth integration.
- Client & Vendor Management: Act as the primary technical interface for clients, managing design reviews, milestone approvals, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and site acceptance tests (SAT).
- Build, Integration, Commissioning & Compliance
- Floor Build Supervision: Direct mechanical technicians and assembly crews during machine build, mechanical alignment, key mechanism assembly, and precision leveling.
- Controls & Robotics Integration: Collaborate closely with PLC programmers, robotics engineers and vision engineers during system integration and debug phases.
- Validation & Buy-off: Plan and execute rigorous internal run-offs, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) until formal sign-off.
- Standards & Safety Compliance: Ensure all machine designs comply with international machine safety regulations (ISO 12100, ISO 13849, CE marking, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout).
Required Qualifications &Experience
- Education: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline.
- Experience:
- 3+ years of hands-on mechanical machine design experience in factory automation, robotics, packaging, or special-purpose machinery (SPMs).
- 2+ years in a project lead, technical project manager, or engineering overall-in-charge role with direct client-facing and budget responsibility.
- CAD Expertise: Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred, including PDM/PLM systems) and structural analysis packages (ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation).
- Technical Depth: Expert‑%
Key Competencies
- Dual-Track Leadership: Ability to alternate between granular CAD design work and high-level project management.
- Commercial Acumen: Understanding of contract terms, scope creep, risk management, and gross margin optimization.
- Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Technical ability to solve root-cause mechanical, alignment, or timing bottlenecks under tight project deadlines.
- Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional presentation, client management, and negotiation skills.