Design Engineer 1

Wasco Switches & Sensors; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Wasco Switches & Sensors in California's Santa Maria area designs and builds mechanical and electromechanical products. This role supports design, development, validation, and documentation to ensure performance, reliability, manufacturability, and compliance.

Under guidance of senior engineers, you will conduct analyses, contribute to cross‑functional projects, and help optimize processes, quality, and efficiency while gaining hands‑on experience in engineering design and testing.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, and control systems.
• Analytical reasoning and developing conceptual-thinking skills to evaluate requirements.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops mechanical and electromechanical components under guidance.
• Reviews requirements, prepares technical documentation, and supports testing.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve products and processes.
• Maintains design records and ensures compliance with standards.

Skills

Technical Design & Analysis

Production & Maintenance

Communication & Presentation

Quality & Job Expertise

Professional Drive & Enthusiasm

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

Supports the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical products and systems by applying established engineering principles to defined assignments. Assists with the creation, refinement, and validation of specifications, concepts, and test methods to help ensure product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and compliance. Works under the guidance of more experienced engineering personnel while developing technical knowledge and professional proficiency.

Description

Supports the design and development of mechanical and electromechanical products and systems by applying established engineering principles to defined assignments. Assists with the creation, refinement, and validation of specifications, concepts, and test methods to help ensure product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and compliance. Works under the guidance of more experienced engineering personnel while developing technical knowledge and professional proficiency.

Essential Functions

• Engineering Design & Development

  Performs system evaluations, mechanical design, equipment modifications, and process-development activities for defined assignments under appropriate guidance. Prepares and updates designs using established engineering methods, standards, and specifications. Supports product and operational improvement initiatives while developing an understanding of manufacturability, scalability, cost, and business requirements.

• Research & Technical Analysis

  Reviews customer and project requirements, researches materials and manufacturing methods, performs engineering calculations, and analyzes data using established tools and procedures. Identifies potential design or process issues and communicates findings to experienced engineers to support technical decisions and risk mitigation.

• Collaboration & Values Alignment

  Participates as a contributing member of cross‑functional teams and works collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, and other stakeholders. Upholds organizational core values, fulfills assigned responsibilities, communicates respectfully, and contributes to collaborative problem‑solving.

• Documentation & Compliance

  Prepares and maintains accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, calculations, bills of materials, reports, test records, and database entries. Follows applicable regulatory requirements, quality systems, document‑control procedures, established engineering practices, and organizational standards.

• Testing & Validation

  Executes assigned feasibility, capability‑validation, and quality‑assurance testing using established plans and procedures. Collects and analyzes test data, documents results, identifies unexpected outcomes, and assists experienced engineers with evaluating product performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Support & Training

  Provides hands‑on technical support for products, equipment, and manufacturing processes. Assists with troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, technician training, data analysis, and basic programming activities. Escalates complex or unresolved technical issues to experienced engineering personnel. May develop or improve basic tools, fixtures, programs, or automated solutions with appropriate guidance.

Requirements

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related discipline.

Preferred Experience 2-4 Years of relevant experience preferred. Equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered.

Skills And Abilities Summary

• Technical Design & Analysis

  Demonstrates foundational knowledge of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, and control systems. Applies established engineering principles, analytical reasoning, and developing conceptual‑thinking skills to evaluate requirements and support practical engineering solutions.

• Production & Maintenance

  Works with operations, manufacturing, and maintenance personnel to support production activities and investigate equipment or process issues. Identifies potential improvements and develops an understanding of how engineering decisions affect product quality, production efficiency, equipment reliability, and maintainability.

• Communication & Presentation

  Communicates technical information clearly through drawings, reports, presentations, and discussions. Presents findings and recommendations related to assigned work and responds constructively to questions, feedback, and technical direction. Develops the ability to explain engineering concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.

• Quality & Job Expertise

  Maintains a strong focus on accuracy and quality while developing job knowledge through training, practical experience, and collaboration with experienced team members. Ensures assigned work follows applicable technical, regulatory, quality, safety, and organizational requirements.

• Professional Drive & Enthusiasm

  Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, accountability, and enthusiasm for developing engineering expertise. Seeks guidance when appropriate, responds positively to coaching, and contributes to continuous improvement, innovation, and engineering excellence.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position operates in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments and requires extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Employees must frequently walk between work areas and climb stairs, and may occasionally bend, kneel, reach, or work around equipment. The role may require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Employees may be exposed to operating machinery, noise, electrical systems, chemicals, and temperature variations and must follow all safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment. Occasional business travel may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.