Automation Design Engineer - Contract

DISHER; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

DISHER is seeking an experienced Automation Tooling Design Engineer for a 3-month contract in Grand Rapids, MI. You will take ownership of ongoing designs, ensuring functionality and manufacturability, while also transitioning into broader machine design roles. Strong skills in mechanical design and proficiency in SolidWorks are required. You will collaborate with teams, manage multiple projects, and contribute to improving design processes. This position offers an opportunity for significant impact within an engineering-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical design fundamentals, able to finalize designs from concept to execution.
• Experience in automation tooling or custom machine design with SolidWorks.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of an in-progress automation tooling design.
• Finalize designs ensuring functionality and manufacturability.
• Support creation of detailed engineering drawings.

Skills

Mechanical design fundamentals

Automation tooling design

SolidWorks proficiency

Effective communication

Problem-solving mindset

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Automation Tooling Design Engineer – Contract

DISHER is seeking an experienced automation tooling design engineer for a 3‑month contract opportunity with a customer in Grand Rapids, MI.

What you will get to do:

• Take ownership of an in‑progress automation tooling design and drive it through completion, enabling transition of the current Mechanical Engineer to new concept development work
• Apply sound engineering principles to finalize designs, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and alignment with project requirements
• Transition into a broader machine design role, contributing to multiple custom automation and equipment projects
• Develop detailed mechanical designs from concept through execution, including component selection, layouts, and system integration
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to refine designs, address constraints, and ensure successful implementation
• Support creation of detailed engineering drawings and print packages for released designs
• Ensure all drawings and documentation meet internal standards and are ready for manufacturing and assembly
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and documentation practices

What will make you successful:

• Strong mechanical design fundamentals, with the ability to take designs from concept through detailed execution
• Experience with automation tooling or custom machine design in SolidWorks, including an understanding of manufacturability and assembly considerations
• Ability to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality
• Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot design challenges and propose practical solutions
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and project teams
• Self‑motivated and able to take ownership of work, driving projects forward with minimal supervision
• Adaptability and willingness to shift between completing existing designs and supporting new project development