Mechanical Design Engineer

Next Ventures; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Ventures is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, testing, and prototyping of innovative industrial machine tools in additive manufacturing. The role emphasizes CAD modeling, prototyping, validation, and cost‑effective manufacturing solutions.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on mechanical design experience, familiarity with fabrication, machining, and AM principles, plus proficiency with Creo and Windchill to develop models, drawings, test plans, and DFx considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• 2–5 years hands-on mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with Creo and Windchill.
• Experience with parametric CAD and PLM systems.
• Familiarity with FEA, GD&T, and machining processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform development engineering work under senior engineers.
• Research, design, develop, and test equipment for AM systems.
• Design mechanical solutions for powder conveyance, optical calibration, laser control, and gas flow.
• Estimate manufacturing time and assess design changes impact.
• Determine optimal machine parameters for part processing.
• Apply statistical process control methods and conduct machine reliability analysis.
• Inspect finished components to ensure quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Prepare engineering documentation, reports, and technical records.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to DFA and DFM initiatives and develop CAD models and drawings.

Skills

Mechanical design

Creo

Windchill

Parametric CAD

PLM

FEA

GD&T

CNC programming

Metallurgy

Additive manufacturing

DFM

DFA

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

PLM systems

FEA software

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking aMechanical Design Engineerto support the design, testing, and prototyping of innovative industrial machine tools within the field ofadditive manufacturing (AM). This role focuses on developing unique components and systems that support advanced manufacturing processes. The engineer will contribute to CAD modeling, prototyping, and validation while helping develop cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with mechanical design, strong familiarity with fabrication and machining processes, and a solid understanding of additive manufacturing principles. Responsibilities include developing CAD models and engineering drawings, creating test plans and test fixtures, and supporting the validation of new designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform development engineering work under the guidance of senior engineers.

• Research, design, develop, and test equipment used in additive manufacturing systems.

• Design and develop mechanical solutions related to powder conveyance, optical calibration, laser control, and gas flow.

• Estimate component manufacturing time and analyze the impact of design changes on production.

• Determine optimal machine parameters for part processing.

• Apply statistical process control methods and conduct machine reliability analysis.

• Inspect finished components to ensure quality and dimensional accuracy.

• Prepare engineering documentation, reports, and technical records.

• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

• Contribute to product development efforts, includingDesign for Manufacturing (DFM)andDesign for Assembly (DFA)initiatives.

• Develop CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.

• Create and execute test plans and build test fixtures to validate mechanical designs.

• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited university.

• 2–5 years of hands‑on experience inmechanical design, preferably with a focus on mechanism design.

• Proficiency withCreoandWindchill.

• Experience withparametric CAD modelingandPLM (Product Lifecycle Management)systems.

• Familiarity withFEA (Finite Element Analysis),GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and related analysis tools.

• Experience withmetal cutting, CNC programming, machine setup, and part processing.

• Basic knowledge ofmetallurgy.

• Experience withadditive manufacturingis a plus.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.