Mechanical & Automation Engineer

Socket.dev; Bluffton (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Bluffton, Indiana is seeking a Mechanical & Automation Engineer to design, develop and implement manufacturing equipment and automation systems across the production floor.

You will work under the guidance of senior engineers and the Industrial Engineering Supervisor to execute projects from concept through production implementation and to develop expertise in mechanical design and controls integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of engineering experience supporting manufacturing operations or automation projects.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or similar).
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls and sensors.
• Experience with mechanical equipment, fixtures, conveyors, robotics or automated machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing equipment using structured problem-solving methods.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; able to manage multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Design and support automation systems integrating mechanical components, PLC controls, sensors, robotics, conveyors and pneumatic systems.
• Develop mechanical designs for tooling, fixtures, machine improvements and automated equipment using CAD software.
• Participate in automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, validation and production support.
• Assist in evaluating automation opportunities with technical studies, equipment comparisons and ROI analyses.
• Support equipment troubleshooting and root cause investigations involving mechanical and automation systems.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Production and Safety to implement process improvements.
• Assist with vendor coordination, equipment specifications, FAT/SAT activities and equipment acceptance.
• Prepare engineering documentation including drawings, work instructions, technical reports and project documentation.
• Ensure equipment complies with safety standards, OSHA requirements and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, ergonomics and cost reduction.

Skills

PLC controls

Sensors

Robotics

CAD design

Problem solving

Manufacturing exp

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics or Automation

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

Description

The Mechanical & Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, automation systems and mechanical solutions used throughout the production environment. Working under the guidance of senior engineers and the Industrial Engineering Supervisor, this position will support and execute automation and mechanical engineering projects from concept through production implementation while continuing to develop technical expertise in mechanical design, controls integration and manufacturing process improvement. The ideal candidate is a motivated engineer with hands-on manufacturing experience who enjoys solving technical problems and developing practical automation solutions.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and support automation systems integrating mechanical components, PLC controls, sensors, robotics, conveyors and pneumatic systems.


• Develop mechanical designs for tooling, fixtures, machine improvements, work holding devices and automated equipment using CAD software.


• Participate in automation projects from concept development through installation, commissioning, validation and production support.


• Assist in evaluating automation opportunities by preparing technical studies, equipment comparisons, cost analyses and ROI calculations.


• Support equipment troubleshooting and root cause investigations involving mechanical and automation systems.


• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Production and Safety departments to implement process improvements.


• Assist with vendor coordination, equipment specifications, FAT/SAT activities and equipment acceptance.


• Prepare engineering documentation including drawings, work instructions, technical reports, equipment specifications and project documentation.


• Ensure equipment complies with company safety standards, OSHA requirements and applicable engineering best practices.


• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, ergonomics and cost reduction.


• Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies and participate in technical training and industry events as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation/Industrial Engineering or related field.


• 2+ years of engineering experience supporting manufacturing operations, automation projects, or mechanical equipment design.


• Experience using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar mechanical design software.


• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, and electrical systems.


• Experience supporting mechanical equipment, fixtures, conveyors, robotics, automated machinery, or production equipment.


• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing equipment using structured problem-solving methods.


• Understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.


• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and provide hands-on support during equipment installation, troubleshooting, and startup activities.


• Strong communication and organizational skills.


• Ability to manage multiple engineering assignments simultaneously.