Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

High Country Search Group; Monte Vista (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

High Country Search Group is seeking a highly qualified Mechanical Design Engineer for our Monte Vista, CO area. You will lead design packages and equipment documentation for custom conveyor and produce-processing systems, taking concepts to shop-ready 3D CAD models and complete packages.

The role emphasizes autonomy, collaboration with production and procurement, and driving manufacturability in an on-site, engineer‑to‑order environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience designing custom industrial equipment, machinery, conveyor systems, or food-processing machinery.
• Advanced capability in 3D CAD modeling and technical drawing creation with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor or AutoCAD.
• Degree welcome, but practical equipment design experience and shop judgment take priority.

Responsibilities

• Translate project requirements into practical mechanical designs and conveyor layouts.
• Build accurate 3D models, assemblies, drawings, BOMs, weldment details using CAD software.
• Apply DFM/DFA principles to reduce shop rework and warranty exposure.
• Serve as design point of contact with Head of Production and fabrication team.
• Deliver BOMs and technical data for procurement of standard components.
• Maintain drawing revision controls and improve future equipment designs.

Skills

3–5+ years industrial equipment design

Autonomy and problem-solving

On-site collaboration

Education

Engineering degree welcomed

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

High Country Search Group is partnering with a growth-oriented, custom equipment manufacturer serving agricultural, produce-processing, and material-handling clients across North America, Canada, and Mexico. Backed by decades of practical engineering expertise, strong regional growth, and a reputation for technical reliability, the organization designs, builds, configures, and services complex custom conveyor systems, material-handling setups, and specialized processing lines. Driven by a firm commitment to build quality, design-for-manufacturability, and operational excellence, the company offers a fast-paced ETO (Engineer-to-Order) environment, a diverse project pipeline, and direct influence over the manufacturing process from concept through completion.

Position Summary

We are seeking a high-level Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design packages and equipment documentation for custom conveyor and produce-processing systems based in the Monte Vista, CO area (on-site preferred; hybrid consideration for exceptional candidates).

This is not a fabrication or hands-on shop labor role. Instead, we are looking for a highly qualified, practical equipment design expert who can take initial concepts and customer requirements, independently develop accurate 3D CAD models, build complete shop packages, and serve as the technical bridge between design, procurement, and fabrication.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Design Leadership: Translate project requirements, equipment concepts, facility constraints, and operating needs into practical, high-quality mechanical designs and custom conveyor layouts.
• 3D Modeling & CAD Documentation: Build accurate 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, cut lists, weldment details, and bills of materials (BOMs) using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar).
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Apply strong DFM and DFA principles—considering fabrication methods, sheet metal, structural steel, fit-up, fasteners, service access, and maintainability to reduce shop-floor rework and warranty exposure.
• Shop-Floor Collaboration: Serve as the primary design point of contact for the Head of Production and fabrication team, resolving fit-up questions, clarifying drawings, and executing timely revisions.
• Procurement & Technical Support: Partner with parts and procurement teams by delivering accurate BOMs, component specs, and technical data for purchasing standard mechanical components (bearings, drives, belting).
• Continuous Improvement & Documentation: Maintain drawing revision controls and review field/shop performance to refine future equipment designs, build efficiency, and serviceability.

Education and Qualifications

• Technical Expertise: 3–5+ years of relevant experience designing custom industrial equipment, machinery, conveyor systems, material-handling setups, or agricultural/food-processing machinery within a low-volume, high-mix, or Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment.
• CAD & Blueprint Proficiency: Advanced capability in 3D CAD modeling and technical drawing creation (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, AutoCAD), with a strong ability to produce clear, complete fabrication and assembly packages.
• Mechanical & Materials Knowledge: Practical working knowledge of fabricated steel, weldments, sheet metal, structural components, bearings, belts, drive systems, machine guarding, and general mechanical assemblies. Degree welcome, but practical equipment design experience and shop judgment take priority.
• Autonomy & Problem-Solving: Proven ability to take projects from initial concept through detailed, shop-ready documentation with limited day-to-day oversight.
• Location & Commitment: 100% on‑site role (5 days per week) in Monte Vista, CO, requiring daily direct collaboration with shop‑floor production and a long‑term commitment to living in the Monte Vista / San Luis Valley area.

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the ideal balance for a practical mechanical designer who wants high‑ownership project visibility without getting bogged down in corporate red tape or rigid catalog design. Every project presents new engineering challenges, product transitions, and facility configurations. The position offers a highly competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, direct access to leadership and production teams, and the satisfaction of seeing your 3D models built directly on the shop floor.