Automation and Machine Design Engineer

Rust Belt Recruiting; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EOE

Job summary

Rust Belt Recruiting is seeking an Automation and Machine Design Engineer to own custom machinery projects from concept to FAT. You will design equipment using SolidWorks, assemble complete machines, and validate performance on the shop floor while coordinating with controls, fabrication, and customers.

You will create engineering docs, manage budgeted design hours, and drive through BOMs and release processes with minimal supervision in a dynamic, non-corporate setting.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design experience with custom industrial machinery
• Proficient in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and engineering foundation
• Ability to develop practical, cost-effective manufacturing solutions
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and accountable for multiple projects
• Clear communicating of technical information to customers and suppliers
• Thrives in a fast-paced, non-corporate manufacturing environment
• Welcomes questions, collaboration, and on-floor design verification
• Brings immediate functional experience to active projects

Responsibilities

• Design custom automated deburring, finishing, inspection, and material handling equipment using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Develop complete machine assemblies including structural weldments, machine bases, guarding, tooling, workholding, conveyors, brush systems, and custom mechanical mechanisms
• Select, specify, and integrate commercially available components such as linear rails, bearings, motion systems, power transmission, motors, gearboxes, and pneumatic/hydraulic components
• Collaborate daily with controls engineers, machinists, welders, fabrication personnel, and assembly technicians throughout every project phase
• Visit the production floor proactively to support machine assembly, troubleshoot mechanical/motion issues, and verify fit and function as equipment comes together
• Modify and refine machine designs based on real-world feedback and unforeseen manufacturing, assembly, or application challenges
• Communicate directly with customers and suppliers to understand applications, discuss design concepts, provide project updates, and resolve technical issues
• Participate in customer design reviews, project meetings, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Create and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation including assembly drawings, bills of material (BOMs), spare parts lists, and technical documentation for manuals
• Manage project design hours and material cost targets developed during the quotation process to ensure projects stay within budget goals
• Structure the design process, bills of material, drawing packages, and the release process from engineering to manufacturing autonomously

Skills

Mechanical design

Autonomy

Problem solving

Shop-floor collaboration

Tools

SolidWorks

3D CAD

BOM management

Job description

Title: Automation and Machine Design Engineer

Shift: Day Shift

Salary: $90,000–$110,000 per year

Automation and Machine Design Engineer Role

The Automation and Machine Design Engineer role exists to take complete ownership of custom machinery projects from initial design concepts through manufacturing, testing, and final customer acceptance. Rather than just acting as a desk-bound drafter, this position acts as the sole driver of the engineering process, developing complete, practical manufacturing solutions to unique mechanical challenges.

Automation and Machine Design Engineer Responsibilities

• Design custom automated deburring, finishing, inspection, and material handling equipment using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Develop complete machine assemblies including structural weldments, machine bases, guarding, tooling, workholding, conveyors, brush systems, and custom mechanical mechanisms
• Select, specify, and integrate commercially available components such as linear rails, bearings, motion systems, power transmission, motors, gearboxes, and pneumatic/hydraulic components
• Collaborate daily with controls engineers, machinists, welders, fabrication personnel, and assembly technicians throughout every project phase
• Visit the production floor proactively to support machine assembly, troubleshoot mechanical/motion issues, and verify fit and function as equipment comes together
• Modify and refine machine designs based on real-world feedback and unforeseen manufacturing, assembly, or application challenges
• Communicate directly with customers and suppliers to understand applications, discuss design concepts, provide project updates, and resolve technical issues
• Participate in customer design reviews, project meetings, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Create and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation including assembly drawings, bills of material (BOMs), spare parts lists, and technical documentation for manuals
• Manage project design hours and material cost targets developed during the quotation process to ensure projects stay within budget goals
• Structure the design process, bills of material, drawing packages, and the release process from engineering to manufacturing autonomously

Automation and Machine Design Engineer Reporting Relationships

This position reports directly to the company owner. Due to our small-team structure, there is no engineering manager or corporate hierarchy, granting the engineer exceptional functional freedom over their workflow; the role has no direct reports.

About You

• Possess strong mechanical design experience with custom industrial machinery, automated equipment, or parallel systems (e.g., drilling or slitting machines)
• Demonstrate proficiency using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Exhibit excellent mechanical aptitude, a strong engineering foundation, and a genuine passion for creating functioning machinery
• Show ability to think creatively, logically, and pragmatically to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for unique engineering challenges
• Maintain a self-motivated, autonomous mindset with the ability to self-govern, manage time, and take full accountability for multiple active projects
• Communicate technical information clearly and comfortably with customers, suppliers, manufacturing technicians, and coworkers without social aversion
• Thrive in a fast-paced, non-corporate, and highly flexible custom manufacturing environment without rigid corporate structures or micromanagement
• Welcome frequent questions, collaborative discussions, and design verification opportunities on the shop floor rather than acting strictly as a desk-bound designer
• Bring immediate functional experience to hit the ground running on active projects without requiring extensive training or hand-holding

Additional Information

• Enjoy a relaxed workspace with your choice of a private, wood-paneled office or a workspace out in the main area by the window
• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)
• Physical demands and working conditions typical of a custom machinery fabrication facility and office environment

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