Lead Mechanical Engineer – Power Distribution Equipment

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. in West Lafayette, IN, is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to design and optimize mechanical systems for low- and medium-voltage switchgear and power distribution equipment.

The role requires 5+ years of mechanical design experience, strong Autodesk Inventor skills, sheet metal design, BOM development, and collaboration with electrical, manufacturing, and project teams. This leadership position offers ownership of complex designs, guidance to designers, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Master's degree is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive mechanical engineering and design experience.
• Experience with low- to medium-voltage switchgear and power distribution equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D models and drawings for enclosures, supports, barriers, and copper bus assemblies using Autodesk Inventor.
• Ensure designs meet customer specs, manufacturing requirements, safety standards, and codes.
• Collaborate with electrical designers to integrate mechanical structures into equipment drawings.
• Prepare BOMs, assembly drawings, parts lists, and manufacturing documentation.
• Lead design reviews and mentor mechanical designers and engineers.
• Support manufacturing by addressing design issues and improving manufacturability.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Other 3D CAD

Job description

Lead Mechanical Engineer – Power Distribution Equipment

Salary: $100000 to $130000 base plus bonus

An established power solutions and electrical equipment manufacturer is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to develop and optimize mechanical designs for low- and medium-voltage switchgear and power distribution equipment.

This role focuses on the design of sheet metal enclosures, structural supports, internal barriers, and conductive copper bus assemblies. The successful candidate will ensure designs meet customer specifications, industry standards, and manufacturing requirements while improving product quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will work closely with electrical engineering, manufacturing, project management, and other cross-functional teams while providing technical leadership and guidance to other engineering and design personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings for sheet metal enclosures, structural supports, barriers, and copper bus assemblies using Autodesk Inventor.

Ensure designs meet customer specifications, manufacturing requirements, safety standards, and applicable regulatory codes.

Collaborate with electrical designers to integrate mechanical structures and copper bus assemblies into complete equipment drawing packages.

Work with manufacturing, project management, sales, estimating, and field service teams to support project execution and resolve technical challenges.

Prepare bills of materials (BOMs), assembly drawings, parts lists, and manufacturing documentation.

Improve engineering efficiency by leveraging and adapting existing designs and standardized components where appropriate.

Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and product reliability.

Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to mechanical designers and engineers.

Support manufacturing operations by addressing design-related issues and improving product manufacturability.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of progressive mechanical engineering and design experience.

Significant experience with switchgear, power distribution equipment, or related electrical equipment manufacturing.

3+ years of hands-on experience with sheet metal design, structural assemblies, and conductive bus bar design for low-to-medium-voltage applications.

Advanced proficiency with Autodesk Inventor; experience with additional 3D CAD platforms is a plus.

Extensive experience developing bills of materials, parts lists, and assembly drawings for manufacturing.

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining, press brake operations, and CNC punch equipment.

Knowledge of product lifecycle management, quality control, design for manufacturability, and cost optimization.

Demonstrated ability to lead complex mechanical design projects and collaborate across engineering and manufacturing teams.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems such as IFS, SAP, or similar platforms.

Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented with a commitment to quality.

Education & Certification

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.

Master's degree required.

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Work Environment & Additional Requirements

Primarily office-based position with periodic visits to manufacturing facilities and supplier locations.

Occasional travel to support manufacturing operations, supplier evaluations, sourcing initiatives, and technical problem resolution.

Ability to navigate manufacturing environments, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Ability to occasionally handle tools, equipment, and materials.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds in accordance with applicable safety standards.

Some flexibility in working hours may be required to support project deadlines and business needs.

This is an opportunity to join a growing power equipment manufacturing organization supporting critical infrastructure markets, including data centers, healthcare, energy, industrial manufacturing, and other applications where electrical reliability is essential.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex mechanical designs, influence manufacturing processes, provide technical leadership, and contribute to the development of critical power distribution equipment.