Mechanical Design Engineer

Critical Materials Group; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Critical Materials Group in Littleton, CO, is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical system design for energetic manufacturing and processing systems. The role emphasizes CAD design in SOLIDWORKS, integration with robotics, and coordinating automation efforts across teams.

You will mentor junior staff, develop documentation, and ensure compliance with safety standards while collaborating with customers and partners to meet critical timelines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing mechanical systems in SOLIDWORKS, incl. GD&T
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
• Knowledge of machine safety systems and interlocks
• Proficiency with PLC hardware and ladder/structured text programming (Siemens preferred)
• Experience with vision systems
• Experience in robotics, automation, and manufacturing
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Comfortable leading technical efforts and guiding junior staff
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug programming
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong teamwork and leadership capabilities

Responsibilities

• Lead design, documentation, integration, and implementation of complex mechanical systems
• Generate prototypes and CAD designs from simple parts to assemblies (SOLIDWORKS)
• Create diagrams and documentation including interface control docs and maintenance manuals
• Specify sensors, safety systems, PLCs, HMIs, and communication devices
• Program PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens) and coordinate automation/robotics integration
• Perform FMEA and ensure compliance with safety standards (NFPA 79, UL508A, NEC)
• Collaborate with engineers through design, build, evaluation, commissioning
• Lead mechanical troubleshooting and commissioning of robotic systems
• Mentor junior engineers or technicians
• Work with energetic material processing and manufacturing technologies
• Contribute to project engineering tasks and technical deliverables

Skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS Electrical

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Siemens PLCs

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mechanical Design Engineer

Critical Materials Group (CMG)

Department

Chemical Processing

Location

Littleton, Colorado

U.S. Citizenship Required for this Position

Yes

Travel

5-10%

Schedule

Full-time

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Peace is often associated with passivity. At Critical Materials Group (CMG), we associate peace with strength, courage, and action. We know that enabling peace to prevail is not for the faint of heart, which is why we built our company foundation on the core values of Integrity, Quality, Agility, and Grit. We pride ourselves on providing unequaled services and technologies in the field of applied energetics to our customers. Our experts possess extensive knowledge and capability in energetic materials and military systems enabling them to offer analytical characterization, modeling & simulation, design, system integration, prototyping, test engineering, and proof-of-concept production services covering a wide range of applications. Our strengths lie in our ability and relentless determination to get the job done quickly and affordably.

CMG is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affiant Action employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin or other legally protected status. An applicant with a disability or a disabled veteran can request reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our positions.

SPECIFIC JOB DESCRIPTION

CMG is a growth company with an outstanding job opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer. This role will be part of an integrated team focused on the development and scale-up of energetic manufacturing and processing systems, including remote-operated and fully automated production lines.

DUTIES INCLUDE

• Lead the design, documentation, integration, and implementation of complex mechanical systems
• Generate mechanical prototype designs of products and systems from simple to complex parts and assemblies in CAD (SOLIDWORKS)
• Generate and maintain comprehensive engineering diagrams and documentation including architectural system diagrams, interface control documentation, operation and maintenance manuals, etc.
• Specify and select sensors, safety systems, PLCs, HMIs, and communication devices
• Program PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.) and coordinate automation and robotic integration efforts
• Performed detailed and comprehensive failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards (e.g., NFPA 79, UL508A, NEC, etc.)
• Collaborate closely with other engineers throughout the design, build, evaluation, and commissioning phases
• Lead mechanical troubleshooting and commissioning of robotic and automated systems
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers or technicians
• Work with energetic material processing and manufacturing technologies
• Participate in project engineering tasks such as report writing, technical presentations, and technical deliverables tracking
• Interface with CMG customers, teammates, and partners in a professional manner
• Must be able to work overtime when necessary to meet mission critical goals and timelines

REQUIRED SKILLS

• 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems in SOLIDWORKS, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.)
• Knowledge of machine safety systems and interlocks
• Proficiency with PLC hardware and ladder/structured text programming (Siemens preferred)
• Experienced with vision systems
• Previous experience in robotics, automation, and manufacturing
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Comfortable leading technical efforts and guiding junior staff
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug programming
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong teamwork and leadership capabilities

HIGHLY BENEFICIAL SKILLS

• Experience with multi-station or large integrated automation systems
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or energetic materials industries
• Knowledge of SOLIDWORKS Electrical, or similar
• Experience in robotic arm integration

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience in automation and controls
• 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems using SOLIDWORKS
• Must be able to start within 3 weeks of offer
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and work in a lab/test environment
• Must be willing to travel to Texas and other sites for commissioning and testing efforts (5-10%)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment where constant iteration, agility, improvement, and innovation is key to team, program, and company success

SALARY RANGE

$91,000-$130,000

BENEFITS

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development
• Flexible schedule

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and a dynamic and team-oriented environment. Compensation and title contingent upon experience.

Must be able to start within 3 weeks of offer.