Mechanical Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Austin, TX is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer focused on the mechanical design of tooling and test systems for automated manufacturing, SMT and electronics assembly lines. This is not a traditional bench-test role.

You will design and develop custom tooling and fixtures integrated into automated test equipment, supporting validation of full products rather than PCB-level testing, with hands-on design and strong CAD skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing tooling or fixtures for automated test systems or production machinery.
• Strong background in automation environments (electronics or high-volume manufacturing).
• Experience designing for automated testing of full products (not just PCB-level testing).
• Proficiency in 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, automation integration, and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical tooling, fixtures, and assemblies used in automated test equipment and test stations.
• Develop test interfaces and “test boxes” for high-volume production environments.
• Support testing of full electromechanical products (not limited to PCB-level validation).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, manufacturing, and automation engineers.
• Work within highly automated SMT and electronics production lines.
• Translate product requirements into robust, manufacturable test solutions.
• Utilize SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and drawings.
• Drive design improvements for reliability, repeatability, and throughput in automated testing systems.

Skills

Automation tooling

Test fixtures

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Electromechanical

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD tools

Job description

Mechanical Test Engineer (Automation Tooling & Test Systems)

Location: Austin, TX (100% onsite)

Compensation: $100,000 - $115,000/year base salary + 10% annual bonus

Overview

This role is not a traditional “test engineer” position. It is heavily focused on the mechanical design of tooling and test systems used within highly automated manufacturing environments, particularly SMT and electronics assembly lines.

The Mechanical Test Engineer will design and develop custom tooling and test fixtures integrated into automated test equipment, supporting validation of full products—not just PCB-level testing. This is a hands‑on design role requiring strong experience with automation machinery and production test systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical tooling, fixtures, and assemblies used in automated test equipment and test stations
• Develop test interfaces and “test boxes” for high-volume production environments
• Support testing of full electromechanical products (not limited to PCB-level validation)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, manufacturing, and automation engineers
• Work within highly automated SMT and electronics production lines
• Translate product requirements into robust, manufacturable test solutions
• Utilize SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and drawings
• Drive design improvements for reliability, repeatability, and throughput in automated testing systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Proven experience designing tooling or fixtures for automated test systems or production machinery
• Strong background in automation environments (electronics or other high-volume manufacturing)
• Experience designing for automated testing of full products (not just PCB-level testing)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, automation integration, and production workflows

What This Role Is / Is Not

• This is a design-focused role (not primarily execution or bench testing)
• Approximately 60% focused on full-product test system/tooling design
• Approximately 30% related to PCB-level test integration
• Ideal for engineers who enjoy building custom solutions for automated manufacturing environments