Mechanical Design Engineer

GCS Recruitment; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of custom semi-automated machinery used in advanced manufacturing environments. This role emphasizes ownership of projects from concept through final build and mentoring junior engineers.

You will design with SolidWorks, perform GD&T analysis, and integrate with controls systems alongside a cross-functional team. The position requires hands-on prototyping, testing, and continuous improvement of equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing custom automation equipment or semi-automated machinery.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks including large assemblies and drawings.
• Strong experience with SolidWorks PDM and revision control.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom semi-automated equipment using SolidWorks from concept through production-ready designs.
• Create 3D models, large assemblies, and manufacturing drawings with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Manage engineering documentation and file control using SolidWorks PDM.
• Select and integrate mechanical components (bearings, actuators, pneumatics, motors, sensors).
• Design for manufacturability, reliability, safety, and ease of maintenance.
• Build prototypes, test, and troubleshoot mechanical issues; support validation.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to integrate with PLCs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of equipment.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Mechanical design leadership

PDM/document control

Automation equipment design

Prototype testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks PDM

PLC integration

Vision systems integration

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of custom semi-automated machinery used in advanced manufacturing environments. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in automation equipment, custom machine design, or medical device manufacturing. You will take ownership of projects from initial concept through final build, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative mechanical solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and develop custom semi-automated equipment using SolidWorks from concept through production-ready designs.

Create detailed 3D models, large assemblies, and manufacturing drawings with accurate GD&T and tolerance analysis.

Manage engineering documentation, revisions, and file control using SolidWorks PDM.

Select and integrate mechanical components such as bearings, actuators, pneumatic systems, linear guides, motors, sensors, and other purchased parts.

Design equipment with a focus on manufacturability, assembly, reliability, operator safety, and ease of maintenance.

Build prototypes, assemble equipment, perform testing, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and support system validation.

Work closely with controls engineers to integrate mechanical designs with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and automated processes.

Support installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of equipment in manufacturing environments.

Provide technical leadership, review designs, and mentor junior mechanical engineers throughout project execution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

5+ years of experience designing custom automation equipment, semi-automated machinery, or special-purpose machines.

Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including complex part modeling, large assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.

Strong experience with SolidWorks PDM, including document management, revision control, and engineering workflows.

Thorough understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and mechanical design best practices.

Experience selecting and integrating standard mechanical components into custom equipment designs.

Hands-on experience assembling, testing, debugging, and validating mechanical systems in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.

Proven ability to independently lead mechanical design projects and provide technical guidance to other engineers.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience designing medical device products, medical device manufacturing equipment, or equipment used in highly regulated industries.

Background in precision automation, small form-factor assemblies, or high-precision manufacturing systems.

Experience designing benchtop or tabletop automation equipment.

Familiarity with the mechanical integration of PLC-controlled machinery, robotics, and machine vision systems.

Previous experience working for a custom automation equipment manufacturer, machine builder, or system integrator.

Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and continuous improvement principles.

This position is well suited for a hands-on mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, leading new product development, and designing innovative automation equipment from concept to implementation.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.