Associate Mechanical Engineer

Project MFG; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Project MFG in the United States is seeking an entry-level Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. You will apply coursework to real-world production challenges and grow into a technical leadership role on hands-on projects.

Ideal candidates are outgoing engineers with a knack for mechanical design for competitions and experiences, able to collaborate with program management, production, and supply teams, and eager to develop into technical leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• 0–2 years of experience or new grads welcome.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and testing of mechanical components, fixtures, and assemblies used in our competitions
• Create and revise 2D drawings and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Work with production teams to improve manufacturability, reduce cycle time, and cut scrap/waste
• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and tolerance stack-up reviews
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities
• Document processes, test results, and engineering changes (ECOs/ECNs)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with program management, production, and supply teams
• Assist with basic project management on small-to-mid scope initiatives

Skills

CAD knowledge

GD&T understanding

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Manufacturing floor experience

Internship/Co-op experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

America is running out of skilled tradespeople. Open jobs are going unfilled by the hundreds of thousands, and the gap is widening fast, putting our way of life and our national security at risk. The things that keep our country running and safe don't get built without the people who know how to build them.

Project MFG is a mission-driven organization on a bold quest to inspire the next generation to discover the trades and reframe them as what they really are: aspirational, high-impact careers that futures are built on. We do it through hands-on competitions, discovery events, networking, scholarships, and more that connect community, education, and industry around one shared goal: growing America's skilled trades pipeline.

As the need for skilled tradespeople grows more urgent, we're expanding our team to increase our reach and help close the gap.

The Associate Mechanical Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring Project MFG Experiences are supported by a motivated Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate to apply their coursework to real-world production challenges, work alongside experienced engineers, and grow into a technical leadership role within a hands-on manufacturing environment.

This role is ideal for someone who is an outgoing engineer that will excel with mechanical design for our competitions and experiences.

This position reports to the VP of Operations. Travel of approximately 30–50% is required throughout the year.

What You'll Do

• Support the design, development, and testing of mechanical components, fixtures, and assemblies used in our competitions
• Create and revise 2D drawings and 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Work with production teams to improve manufacturability, reduce cycle time, and cut scrap/waste
• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and tolerance stack-up reviews
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities
• Document processes, test results, and engineering changes (ECOs/ECNs)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with program management, production, and supply teams
• Assist with basic project management on small-to-mid scope initiatives

What You Bring

• Working knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Understanding of GD&T, materials, and manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, injection molding, welding, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Solid communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment
• Comfort working on a manufacturing floor as well as in an office setting
• Internship, co-op, or capstone project experience in manufacturing or product development is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) — new grads welcome, 0–2 years of experience

Additional Requirements

• Able to lift 40 pounds
• Driver’s license
• Commitment to Project MFG's mission of promoting, elevating, and accelerating the skilled trades.