Mechanical Design Engineer

Panduit; Illinois; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Vacation & holidays

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Panduit in Illinois seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the creation of innovative products powering data center infrastructure. You will drive the full product lifecycle from concept through launch, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform research into real solutions.

You will design connectivity, power distribution, and cooling systems, apply 3D CAD (Siemens NX), and analyze heat transfer and fluid flow to optimize thermal performance using simulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering required.
• 1.5 - 5 years in mechanical product design with proven success launching projects from concept to completion.
• Prior experience in electronic packaging, fiber optics, datacenter, power, and cooling, or liquid cooling preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Expertise in 3D CAD (Siemens NX or similar) and ability to analyze heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid flow to optimize thermal performance using simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop products and systems focused on connectivity, power distribution, and cooling solutions for data centers.
• Execute the full design lifecycle: requirements capture, concept generation, design, prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing.
• Conduct applied research and stay current with the latest technology.
• Plan and lead large-scale projects, including multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Prepare project schedules, budgets, design specifications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrate creativity and out-of-the-box thinking for concepts and designs.

Skills

3D CAD (Siemens NX)

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Simulation tools

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Injection molding

Stamping

Sheet metal

Job description

At Panduit, we don't just offer a job - we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company's success. You'll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you're ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, make your mark with Panduit!

Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve meaningful challenges. That's why we've built an environment designed for creativity and collaboration. Our 200,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, features 18 cutting-edge laboratories and a state-of-the‑art rapid modeling tool room - all dedicated to helping you turn ideas into impactful reality.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the creation of innovative products and systems that power the physical infrastructure of modern data centers. From bold concept development to successful product launch, this role drives the full product lifecycle, fueling cross‑functional collaboration and transforming cutting‑edge research into real‑world solutions.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop products and systems focused on connectivity, power distribution, and cooling solutions for data canter.
• Execute the full design lifecycle: requirements capture, concept generation, design, prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing.
• Conduct applied research and stay current with the latest technology.
• Plan and lead large-scale projects, including multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Prepare project schedules, budgets, design specifications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrate creativity and out‑of‑the‑box thinking for concepts and designs.

What You Will Bring

• Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering required.
• Experience: 1.5 - 5 years in mechanical product design with proven success launching projects from concept to completion. Prior experience in electronic packaging, fiber optics, datacenter, power, and cooling, or liquid cooling preferred.
• Knowledge: Expertise in plastic part design, metal part design, hands‑on experience with sheet metal, and broad knowledge of manufacturing processes (specifically injection molding and stamping). Prior participation with standards body a plus.
• Interpersonal: Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Skills: Strong analytical, innovative, and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail. Expertise in 3D CAD (Siemens NX or similar). Ability to analyze heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid flow to optimize thermal performance using simulation tools preferred.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work‑life balance. This role will require you to be in the office 50% of the time (schedule based on manager's discretion).
• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community.
• Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career.
• Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future.

Compensation: The expected annual base salary range for this role is $80,000- $100,000. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Making the connections that matter. Join us and be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in‑person interview as part of the hiring process.