Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

HS Inc. Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Career growth and leadership development opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Job summary

A leading automation company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is looking for a skilled Lead Mechanical Design Engineer. This role involves guiding a team of designers to develop innovative automation solutions, ensuring high-quality, manufacturable designs meet customer needs. You should possess advanced SolidWorks proficiency and a strong background in machine design. The position offers numerous benefits, including competitive salary and health insurance, within a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of designers within cross-functional project teams.
• Promote a collaborative, positive, and safety-focused work culture.
• Ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with project scope.
• Communicate project progress with customers, team members, and management.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks

Strong experience in small and medium machine design

Experience with large machine design

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Join Our Team. We are seeking a skilled Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to guide a team of designers in developing innovative automation and machine solutions. In this leadership role, you will combine hands‑on mechanical design expertise with team leadership to deliver high‑quality machines that meet customer needs, project timelines, and budget expectations. If you thrive in a collaborative engineering environment, enjoy mentoring designers, and have a strong background in machine design and SolidWorks, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth and leadership development opportunities
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Ongoing training and professional development

Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and manage a team of designers within cross‑functional project teams.
• Mentor and develop designers while identifying future team leaders.
• Analyze team performance, skills, and workflow gaps and provide insight to management.
• Promote a collaborative, positive, and safety‑focused work culture.

Engineering & Design

• Lead the design of medium to large custom automation machines.
• Provide guidance to engineers and designers on mechanical design best practices.
• Ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with project scope.
• Apply advanced CAD techniques and engineering principles to complete assignments.
• Use SolidWorks to create detailed models and drawings from sketches, existing drawings, and other technical inputs.
• Draft engineering notes, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Perform simulations and risk assessments as required.

Project & Process Management

• Manage competing priorities and multiple machine design projects simultaneously.
• Communicate project progress with customers, team members, and management.
• Identify and resolve potential project issues early.
• Monitor bills of materials and collaborate with purchasing to improve cost and lead times.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, standards, and engineering codes.

Safety & Quality

• Promote and implement safety‑conscious design and build processes.
• Ensure all drawings and documentation are complete, accurate, and error‑free.
• Support collaboration with manufacturing and plant departments.

Qualifications & Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Mechatronics, or related field.

Experience & Skills

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Strong experience in small and medium machine design.
• Experience with large machine design.
• Advanced CAD modeling and drafting techniques.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of metals and manufacturing materials.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hands for handling tools and equipment.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling objects 25 lbs or more.

Work Location: In person