Mechanical Design Engineer

Soap Creek Resources; Albia (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Soap Creek Resources is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join a growing manufacturing team in Albia, IA. The role emphasizes taking projects from concept through completion while collaborating closely with production and operations on fabrication and CNC machining.

You will design mechanical components, create drawings and BOMs, and ensure designs meet quality, performance, and customer requirements, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in mechanical engineering or related field is required.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering preferred.
• At least 2 years of mechanical design experience in manufacturing or CNC environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks for fabrication and CNC processes.
• Create detailed drawings, BOMs, and documentation per GD&T standards.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and operations teams on new products.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, gauges, and work-holding solutions.
• Evaluate processes and recommend design or process improvements.
• Manage ECRs/ECOs with revision control in PDM.
• Lead projects from initiation to completion with minimal supervision.
• Interpret customer specs and redlines to produce accurate documentation.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for design issues.
• Perform tolerance analyses and fit/function evaluations.
• Participate in design reviews and provide cross-functional support.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

SolidWorks

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Engineering drawings

Tolerance stack-up分析

PDM systems

MRP/ERP knowledge

Weld design (preferred)

Lean/continuous improvement

MS Office 365

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (strongly preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks PDM

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Join a growing manufacturing team where engineering, problem-solving, and continuous improvement drive success. This role is ideal for a self-motivated engineer who enjoys taking projects from concept through completion while working closely with production and operations teams in a fabrication and CNC machining environment.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations, improving production efficiency, and developing mechanical designs that meet quality, performance, and customer requirements.

Duties:

Including but not limited to:

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using SolidWorks, ensuring designs are optimized for fabrication and CNC machining processes.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and design documentation in accordance with GD&T and ASME standards.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and operations teams to support new product introductions and manufacturing improvements.
• Develop and maintain tooling, fixtures, gauges, and work-holding solutions for fabrication and CNC operations.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and recommend design or process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Manage engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and maintain accurate revision control within the PDM system.
• Lead engineering projects from initiation through completion while meeting project timelines with minimal supervision.
• Interpret customer specifications, redlines, and engineering requirements to develop accurate design documentation.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to design and manufacturing issues.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses and fit/function evaluations to ensure production requirements are achieved.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical support across cross-functional teams.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with knowledge of fabrication, sheet metal, welding, and CNC machining processes.
• Proficient in SolidWorks, including Part, Assembly, and Drawing modules.
• Strong understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Familiarity with tolerance stack-up analysis and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems, preferably SolidWorks PDM.
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.
• Experience with weld design and weld symbol interpretation is preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Self-directed and capable of working independently with minimal oversight.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Drafting & Engineering Technology, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of mechanical design experience within a manufacturing, fabrication, or CNC machining environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage engineering projects from concept through completion.

Work Environment:

• Split between office and active manufacturing/shop floor environments.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and work with tools, equipment, and production personnel.
• Must be able to work at a computer workstation for extended periods and review detailed engineering documentation.
• Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, and hearing protection, may be required in designated production areas.
• Occasional travel to customer or vendor locations may be required.

Disclaimer:

Please note that we are unable to provide job sponsorships, including, but not limited to, visas, corp-to-corp arrangements (C2C), or any other form of sponsorship for employment. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.