Automation Engineer (Design)

Matthew Warren, Inc.; Kemah (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matthew Warren, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design automated machinery and fixtures for manufacturing sites. You will create 3D models, select components, and lead installation and commissioning, while collaborating with site leadership to meet project goals.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and 1–3+ years in machine design or automation, with SolidWorks proficiency and hands-on fabrication experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Hands‑on experience designing machinery, fixtures, tooling, or automated equipment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, sheet metal, and fabrication.
• Experience with automation projects from design through installation and startup.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automated machinery and fixtures to reduce labor and boost productivity.
• Translate project concepts into scalable automation solutions.
• Develop 3D models and detailed drawings using SolidWorks.
• Lead installation, testing, commissioning, and on-site support.
• Collaborate with site leadership to define requirements and timelines.
• Ensure standardization of automation solutions across locations.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as required (approx. 10%).
• Provide hands-on support during ramp-up and troubleshooting on-site.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

GD&T

Design for manufacturing

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

• Design custom automated machinery, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems at manufacturing sites to reduce direct labor content and improve productivity.
• Translate project concepts into practical, scalable automation solutions.
• Develop 3D models and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Select mechanical components such as bearings, actuators, pneumatics, linear motion, motors, gearboxes, and structural materials.
• Design machine frames, guarding, tooling, part handling, and mechanical assemblies.
• Support machine assembly, fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, and design revisions.
• Apply proper tolerances, fits, GD&T, and standard mechanical design practices.
• Lead installation, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Work closely with GMs and site leadership to understand project requirements and operational challenges.
• Align on project goals, timelines, and success metrics prior to execution.
• Ensure consistent deployment of automation standards across locations.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as required, approximately 10% or as project needs dictate.
• Work and coordinate with controls engineers and manufacturing sites to define project requirements.
• Provide hands‑on support during project installation and ramp‑up phases.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues on‑site in real time.
• Recommend new technologies, tools, and process improvements.
• Drive standardization and replication of successful automation solutions across sites
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within scope.
• Support long‑term sustainability of implemented solutions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks (or other 3D CAD software) for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Strong mechanical design and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of machine design, mechanisms, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with pneumatics, linear motion, bearings, motors, gearboxes, and fabricated assemblies.
• Knowledge of industrial machine safety.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Required EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 1–3+ years of experience in mechanical design, machine design, automation equipment, or related field.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Hands‑on experience designing machinery, fixtures, tooling, or automated equipment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal, and fabrication.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills in a production environment.
• Experience supporting automation projects from design through installation and startup.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands/arms; lift and/or lower; push and/or pull; and use hands to finger, handle, feel and/or finely manipulate objects. The employee must frequently lift/move and/or push/pull up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift/move and/or push/pull up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Use of vision correction is acceptable, if necessary; however, any vision correction apparatus must meet all safety guidelines for the area of activity.

Travel Required

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Experience

Preferred

1-3 years

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.