Associate Mechanical Engineer

Flex; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex is a diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products. The Associate Mechanical Engineer role is based in Buffalo Grove, IL and involves hands-on engineering to support automated manufacturing equipment.

This position participates in Flex's Engineering in Training (EIT) program to develop competencies while contributing to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Fundamentals of mechanics, materials, and machine design.
• Ability to troubleshoot using analytical approaches.
• Willingness to participate in the Engineering in Training (EIT) program.
• Experience with CAD and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot mechanical equipment failures and determine root causes.
• Investigate automated manufacturing equipment and assemblies.
• Analyze downtime and scrap to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Develop mechanical design improvements for deficiencies.
• Support design, fabrication, installation, testing and validation of modifications.
• Use CAD drawings and specs to develop solutions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation, and Operations.
• Participate in EIT program activities and document results.

Skills

Troubleshooting

CAD

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD Software (SolidWorks)

Measurement tools

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.

A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Job Summary

Purpose:

The Associate Mechanical Engineer is a hands-on, technically driven problem solver responsible for supporting the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes.

Working within a regulated medical device manufacturing environment, this position applies fundamental mechanical engineering principles to diagnose equipment failures, identify root causes, develop practical engineering solutions, and improve manufacturing performance.

As part of Flex's Engineering in Training (EIT) program, the Associate Mechanical Engineer will develop technical competencies through structured training, mentorship, and direct involvement in real-world engineering challenges. The position is designed to build the foundational skills necessary to progress into increasingly independent engineering responsibilities.

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL

Hours: 0800am-0430pm M-F

Job Description

• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical equipment failures, applying engineering principles to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Perform hands-on investigations of automated manufacturing equipment, mechanical assemblies, motion systems, and production processes.
• Analyze equipment performance, failure trends, downtime, and scrap to identify opportunities for improved reliability, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement mechanical design improvements to address equipment deficiencies and recurring failures.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis, 5 Why, and failure mode analysis, to resolve technical issues.
• Support the design, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, and validation of mechanical components and equipment modifications.
• Utilize CAD software, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and measurement tools to develop and evaluate mechanical solutions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation & Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to resolve complex equipment and process challenges.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance improvements through failure analysis and engineering recommendations.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical documentation, engineering calculations, test results, and recommendations supporting engineering decisions.
• Participate in the Engineering in Training (EIT) program, completing assigned technical development activities and demonstrating progression against established engineering competencies.
• Apply engineering judgment, critical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset while maintaining compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, materials, machine design, and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot technical problems using logical, analytical approaches.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with manufacturing equipment, tools, and mechanical assemblies.
• Basic proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with CAD software and fundamental engineering calculations.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in and successfully complete the Engineering in Training (EIT) program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, cooperative education, or project experience involving manufacturing equipment, mechanical design, automation, or maintenance engineering.
• Experience with hands-on mechanical projects, equipment repair, fabrication, machining, or prototype development.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment, including pneumatic systems, actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and mechanical drive systems.
• Basic understanding of electrical controls, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis, troubleshooting methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and willingness to independently investigate challenging technical problems.
• Ability to collaborate across technical disciplines a