Mechanical Design Engineer

Enabled Engineering; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Enabled Engineering in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and develop mechanical components and systems for SolidStir and related manufacturing technologies. You will create 3D models and drawings, perform design calculations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams from concept to validation.

The role emphasizes manufacturability, reliability, and documentation, with on-site responsibilities and hands-on prototyping using CAD, shop tools, and CNC equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with prototype development, testing, and design iteration in a lab/manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with materials and manufacturing processes, preferably in metal processing or additive manufacturing.
• Ability to work on-site in a hands-on environment and communicate clearly.
• Knowledge of safety practices and basic engineering analysis tools is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Follow directions from the R&D team to develop new design solutions and modify existing designs.
• Create CAD models and assemblies, understand loading, failure criteria, and safety factors.
• Prepare manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and technical data.
• Decide on materials, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.
• Apply manufacturability and assembly design principles for easy fabrication.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Design Engineering

Machine Design

Product Design

CAD modeling

Finite Element Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Company Description

Enabled Engineering is a materials and manufacturing technology company focused on advancing the frontiers of what is possible in engineered products and processes. The organization develops innovative SolidStir® technologies that enable solid-state metal additive manufacturing, metal recycling and upcycling, and new material development. Enabled Engineering combines advanced engineering, materials science, and manufacturing expertise to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions. Team members join a forward-looking environment that values innovation, practical problem-solving, and real-world impact in modern manufacturing.

Role Description

This full-time, on-site Mechanical Design Engineer role is based in Blacksburg, VA. The Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop mechanical components and systems that support SolidStir® and related manufacturing technologies, from concept through detailed design and validation. Day-to-day responsibilities include generating 3D models and drawings in CAD, performing design calculations, collaborating with cross-functional teams on product and machine requirements, and supporting prototype builds. The role also involves troubleshooting mechanical issues in existing equipment, optimizing designs for manufacturability and reliability, and preparing technical documentation. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing and materials teams to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Mechanical Engineering and Design Engineering skills, with the ability to perform calculations, select components, and develop robust mechanical systems.
• Candidates should possess Machine Design and Product Design skills to create mechanisms, assemblies, and hardware suited for advanced manufacturing environments.
• Candidates should possess proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for 3D modeling, detailed drawings, and design revision management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience with prototype development, testing, and design iteration in a lab or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with materials and manufacturing processes, preferably in metal processing, additive manufacturing, or related industries.
• Ability to work on-site in a hands-on environment, collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and communicate clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards, safety practices, and basic finite element analysis or other engineering analysis tools is beneficial.

Job duties

Design and engineering

• Follow directions from the R&D team to come up with new design solutions to engineering problems including modifications to improve existing designs.
• Develop CAD models and assemblies of the engineering system by understanding the loading modes, failure criteria, design specifications, and considering ideal factors of safety, while adhering to engineering standards.
• Create detailed manufacturing drawings, Bill of Materials, and technical data.
• Make decisions on materials, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.
• Apply Design of Manufacturability and design of assembly principles to ensure that designs can be fabricated and services with ease.

Prototyping & Build

• Build prototypes yourself using 3D printers, shop tools, and CNC equipment
• Work closely with manufacturing to turn designs into physical hardware quickly
• Operate shop equipment such as mills, lathe, grinders, and various hand tools.
• Work in tandem with other group members for machine operation and assembly.

Other duties

• Mentor and guide the interns/new hires with shop floor activities.
• Develop project reports in time for submission to funding agencies.
• Should have an inner drive to meet or beat project deadlines.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience with machine design of moving and rotary mechanical components, manufacturing, and shop floor machine operation.