Design Engineer

Balco, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

ESOP

Job summary

Balco, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, seeks a Design Engineer to join a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary engineering team focused on architectural expansion joints and fire barriers.

You will design, analyze, and prototype new concepts using Solidworks, perform FEA/CFD simulations, and collaborate with customers and suppliers. This on-site role requires presenting designs, leading design reviews, and guiding validation testing, with travel to test labs ~10%.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field.
• Architectural/Construction industry experience is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Proficient in Solidworks.
• Proficient in Solidworks Simulation or similar FEA software.
• Strong work ethic and self-starter mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to present technical information to management and customers.

Responsibilities

• Execute research, design and development projects per spec, timeline, and cost targets.
• Model products using Solidworks; create assemblies, drawings, and criteria.
• Perform FEA/CFD using Solidworks Simulation.
• Interface with customers; provide technical and project support.
• Interface with vendors; specify components and validate quality.
• Build and test in-house mock-ups to validate designs.
• Coordinate and oversee design validation testing with third-party labs.
• Apply DFMA with production to optimize designs.
• Lead design reviews and present to management and team.
• Create ECOs, part specs, and installation documents for changes.
• Provide training on new product design and function.
• Support product showcases with engineering mock-ups and demonstrations.

Skills

Self-starter

Strong communication

Multi-project management

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

Solidworks Simulation

FEA software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About The Job

Please note this is an on-site job located in Wichita, Kansas. Balco, a manufacturer of architectural building products, is growing. We are expanding our team with people who enjoy a fast-paced, teamwork environment and are passionate about working together to meet or exceed customers’ requirements. The Balco Engineering team focuses on Architectural Expansion Joints, Moats and Portals, Fire Barriers, Stair Nosings, Mats and Grids, Trenches, and Photoluminescent products to provide high-quality building solutions.

As a member of a fast‑paced multi‑disciplinary team, the Design Engineer will provide creative and diverse engineering solutions to a variety of engineering problems including seismic activities, building fire and smoke, and egress. We will work together to design, analyze, and prototype new design concepts to provide life‑safety products for our customers. This position will have the opportunity to collaborate and engineer solutions to improve our Architectural Expansion Joint and Fire Barrier product lines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute research, design and development projects in accordance with project specifications, timeline, and cost targets
• Model products using Solidworks; create assemblies, part drawings, inspection criteria, and other drawings as required
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using Solidworks Simulation
• Interface with customers; providing technical support, project support, and custom solutions
• Interface with outside vendors; selecting and specifying components, providing technical support, and validating quality
• Design, build, and perform in‑house testing mock‑ups to validate designs
• Coordinate and oversee design validation testing with third‑party laboratories, including travel when necessary
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles by collaborating with production personnel and suppliers to optimize product designs
• Lead product design review meetings, presenting to Balco management and project team members
• Create Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), part specifications, provide technical data, installation instructions, and other information/documents as necessary to implement new products and design changes
• Provide training to Balco personnel, reps, and customers on new product design and function
• Provide technical support, recommendations, and custom solutions to Balco personnel, reps, and customers
• Support Balco product showcases through engineering mock‑ups, presentations, product demonstrations, and technical expertise

Additional Responsibilities

• Foster team‑work by interacting with team members and other departments in a positive, solution‑oriented manner.
• Assist the manufacturing facilities as needed in implementing and/or improving manufacturing techniques and safety.
• Assist the quality department in establishing and maintaining quality standards and troubleshooting product failure claims.
• Research new technologies, emerging construction materials and methods, competitors and potential suppliers.
• Be familiar with local education facilities, testing facilities, machine shops and equipment suppliers.
• Travel to test labs and/or job sites to support Balco’s interest as required (~10%).

Company‑Wide Responsibilities

• Support and follow Balco, Inc.’s Quality Policy.
• Follow all applicable Procedures and Work Instructions.
• Initiate preventative and corrective actions for problems with product or processes.
• Demonstrate company values.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations as directed by Balco.
• Any other assignments, duties or responsibilities as directed by the Supervisor or Executive Management.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field.
• Architectural/Construction industry experience is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Proficient in Solidworks or similar modeling software.
• Proficient in Solidworks Simulation or similar FEA software.
• Strong work ethic; self‑starter, motivated to set and achieve goals.
• Ability to innovate and develop creative solutions to problems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to present technical information to management, Balco personnel, and customers.
• Desire to communicate with, collaborate with and be a subject matter expert (SME) to the customer.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Positive, professional demeanor.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for long‑term wealth building.