Applications & Mechanical Design Engineer

Socket.dev; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Chesterfield, VA is seeking a Mechanical Applications & Design Engineer to develop and improve heavy industrial equipment used in lifting, maintenance, and field operations. This role combines mechanical design, customer interaction, and project management from concept through manufacturing, testing, installation, and ongoing product improvements.

Candidates should have a Mechanical Engineering degree, SolidWorks proficiency, and FEA experience, with occasional travel to customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and engineering calculations.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel ~10% for customer support and field activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve mechanical equipment and engineered systems using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Develop concepts through engineering calculations, FEA, CAD modeling, prototyping, and field testing.
• Support reverse engineering, redesign, and product improvements to increase reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
• Manage engineering projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, implementation, and lifecycle support.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical support through inspections, troubleshooting, field visits, and customer communication.
• Maintain engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
• Support continuous improvement, product standardization, and quality initiatives.
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining strong customer relationships and meeting project deadlines.

Skills

SolidWorks

FEA

Mechanical design

Project management

Communication

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

FEA software

Job description

Applications & Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Schedule: 9/80 Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $80,000/year (Higher compensation available based on experience.)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Applications & Design Engineer to develop and improve heavy industrial equipment used in lifting, maintenance, and specialized field operations. This role combines mechanical design, customer interaction, and project management, supporting products from concept through manufacturing, testing, installation, and ongoing product improvements.

This position requires a collaborative engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges while working with customers, vendors, manufacturing teams, and project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve mechanical equipment and engineered systems using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Develop concepts through engineering calculations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), CAD modeling, prototyping, and field testing.
• Support reverse engineering, redesign, and product improvements to increase reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
• Manage engineering projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, implementation, and lifecycle support.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical support through inspections, troubleshooting, field visits, and customer communication.
• Maintain engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
• Support continuous improvement, product standardization, and quality initiatives.
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining strong customer relationships and meeting project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent parametric CAD software.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and engineering calculations.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% for customer support, inspections, and field activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT or PE certification.
• CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
• Experience designing heavy equipment, cranes, industrial machinery, or mobile equipment.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Experience supporting products through manufacturing and field deployment.
• Familiarity with OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or similar engineering standards.

Work Environment

• 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
• Primarily based in Chesterfield, VA with occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, customer sites, vendor locations, and field operations.
• May occasionally support emergency response activities outside normal business hours.
• Ability to inspect equipment, climb on machinery, lift up to 50 pounds, and work safely in both office and industrial environments.