Lead Mechanical Design Engineer - Custom Automation

GCS Recruitment; Chanhassen (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment seeks a lead Mechanical Engineer to own complex equipment designs from concept through build, testing and deployment. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with controls, software, and electrical teams to integrate PLCs, robotics, and vision systems into automated manufacturing equipment.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, manufacturability, and serviceability, with deployment to MN sites and potential future expansion.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing custom automation or semi-automated manufacturing equipment.
• Expert proficiency with SolidWorks, incl. complex assemblies.
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM and engineering document control.
• Strong 2D drafting skills with GD&T and tolerancing.
• Knowledge of material selection for precision equipment.
• Experience integrating purchased components into custom systems.
• Hands-on building, assembling, and troubleshooting equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of complex semi-automated manufacturing equipment using SolidWorks.
• Manage designs within SolidWorks PDM with proper revision control.
• Create detailed 2D drawings with full dimensioning, tolerancing, and GD&T.
• Select materials and specify bearings, actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and motion systems.
• Design for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and serviceability.
• Prototype, assemble, test, debug, and qualify equipment.
• Collaborate with controls, software, and electrical engineers to integrate PLCs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Translate process requirements into practical equipment solutions with process engineering.
• Support deployment of equipment to production operations in MN and other sites.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

PDM

3D CAD

Manufacturing docs

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

As Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as the lead designer on the equipment development team, taking ownership of complex machine designs from initial concept through build, testing, and production deployment. This is a highly hands-on engineering role focused on custom machine design and automation equipment development, not manufacturing engineering.

You'll lead complete mechanical assemblies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and help drive innovative equipment solutions that support advanced manufacturing processes.

What You'll Do

• Lead the mechanical design of complex semi-automated manufacturing equipment using SolidWorks
• Manage designs within SolidWorks PDM, ensuring proper revision control and data management
• Create detailed 2D mechanical drawings with full dimensioning, tolerancing, and GD&T
• Select materials and specify purchased components including bearings, actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and linear motion systems
• Design for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, operator usability, and serviceability
• Perform hands-on prototyping, assembly, testing, debugging, and equipment qualification
• Partner with controls, software, and electrical engineers to integrate PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and automation technologies
• Translate process requirements into practical equipment solutions alongside process engineering teams
• Support deployment of equipment to production operations in Shakopee and future expansion sites in Mexico

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing custom automation or semi-automated manufacturing equipment
• Expert proficiency with SolidWorks, including complex assemblies and mechanisms
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM and engineering document control
• Strong 2D drafting skills with GD&T, tolerancing, and manufacturing documentation
• Knowledge of material selection for precision equipment applications
• Experience integrating purchased mechanical components into custom-built systems
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting equipment
• Proven ability to work effectively with controls, electrical, software, and process engineering teams
• Background in precision assembly equipment, fiber optics, medical devices, or small form-factor manufacturing
• Experience designing benchtop or tabletop semi-automated equipment
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and vision systems from a mechanical integration perspective

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.