Design Engineer

ElectroCraft, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ElectroCraft, Inc. is seeking a Design Engineer to design, develop, and optimize electric motors and components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance, efficiency, and reliability goals.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering and experience in motor design. The role requires CAD/FEA proficiency, hands-on prototyping and testing, and a drive to advance electric motor technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years in design engineering with at least 3 years focusing on electric motor or rotating machinery design.
• Experience with EV, AMR or AGV motor design.
• Knowledge of control systems and motor drive technologies.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of electric motor components and systems (rotors, stators, windings, housings) using CAD software.
• Perform FEA and thermal/electromagnetic simulations to optimize performance and ensure spec compliance.
• Prototype and test designs to validate performance, improve efficiency, torque, and durability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare technical documentation including design specs, test reports, and BOMs.
• Identify opportunities for design improvements to boost efficiency and reduce weight.

Skills

CAD software

FEA

Thermal analysis

Electrical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Simcenter MotorSolve

JMAG

Job description

Description

The Design Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing electric motors and components. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that meet performance, efficiency, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, experience in motor design and a passion for advancing electric motor technology.

About Our Company

ElectroCraft, Inc. provides application-engineered specialty fractional-horsepower motor and motion control products. Under the hood, Electrocraft motion systems power critical components of some of the world's most innovative products in medical equipment, robotics, industrial automation, agriculture, and lab equipment. Some of our innovative products include DC motors, gear motors, linear actuators, and motor drives. With facilities and customers around the globe, ElectroCraft provides advanced precision solutions with the highest reliability and lowest total cost of ownership, which is why it is trusted by both the largest brands and the newest cutting-edge companies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Create detailed designs for electric motor components and systems, including rotors, stators, windings, and housings, using CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks)
• Simulation and Analysis: Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal/electromagnetic simulations to optimize motor performance and ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Prototyping and Testing: Develop prototypes and conduct testing to validate designs, troubleshoot issues, and improve performance metrics such as efficiency, torque, and durability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, meet industry standards, and ensure product specifications meet or exceed expectations.
• Documentation: Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and bill of materials (BOM), to support product development and production processes.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance motor designs for improved efficiency, reduced weight, and lower production costs.
• Compliance: Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., UL, IEC, NEMA) and environmental regulations.
• Project Management: Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.

Basic and Social Skills, Leadership, and Business

• Problem-solving & Critical Thinking: Capable of analyzing complex manufacturing and design challenges, diagnosing root causes, and developing effective solutions
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Meticulous in interpreting and producing technical drawings, models, and documentation to ensure precision and consistency.
• Excellent Communication (Verbal and Written): Comfortable articulating technical concepts clearly across cross-functional teams.
• Team Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: Works seamlessly with production, quality, R&D, supply chain, and management teams—building trust, rapport, and shared success.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Welcomes changing project requirements, evolving technologies, and dynamic manufacturing environments.
• Strategic Review: Conducts design reviews, risk assessments, and ensures compliance with internal and regulatory standards throughout the design lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Mindset: Implements process improvements, cost-saving strategies, and waste reduction initiatives to boost production efficiency and output.
• Cost-Benefit & Value Engineering (VAVE): Conducts cost analysis, value assessments, and VAVE evaluations—balancing design trade-offs for optimal business impact.
• Empathy & Patience: Provide thoughtful, respectful support to users with varying technical skill levels.
• Professionalism: Represent the Design Engineer function with integrity, reliability, and confidentiality.
• Build trust with others through own authenticity and follow-through on commitments.
• Values and supports diversity in the workplace.
• Ensures thorough familiarity with company policies and procedures. Appropriately applies policies and procedures in compliance with government laws. Policies and procedures include, but not limited to: ISO 9000 & 14000, government regulations (e.g. health, safety, quality and environmental), and functional policies.

Preferred Experience or Skills

• Master’s Degree
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering, with at least 3 years focused on electric motor or rotating machinery design.
• Experience with electric vehicle (EV), autonomous mobile robot (AMR) or automated guided vehicle (AGV) motor design
• Knowledge of control systems and motor drive technologies.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Simcenter MotorSolve, JMAG, or equivalent) for structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis.
• Knowledge of motor design principles, including electromagnetic theory, thermal management, and material selection.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, such as casting, machining, and assembly.

Requirements

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
• Ability to lift and carry office equipment or equipment required for responsibilities (typically up to 25lbs).
• Ability to work in climate controlled and non-controlled environments.