Mechanical Design Engineer

MSI Defense Solutions; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

MSI Defense Solutions in Mooresville, NC is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop CAD models, conduct FEA analyses, and manage vehicle components. Candidates should have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years in a related field.

This full-time position involves both shop and office work, with potential overtime. Benefits include 401(k), health, and dental insurance, alongside paid parental leave and PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in automotive, motorsports, or defense vehicle related field.
• 3+ years as a high-level CAD user preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of PDM experience (Windchill preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage vehicle components in CAD.
• Perform structural FEA and coordinate with FEA partners.
• Create and manage BOMs and production drawings.

Skills

CAD modeling

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Ability to obtain security clearance

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

PTC Creo

Ansys

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer – responsibilities include reviewing project design requirements, providing input for additional requirements, developing and executing design concepts, and justifying designs during preliminary and critical project design reviews. The Engineer will create CAD models using MSI’s parametric skeleton strategy, fully define the bill of materials, manage the drawing package, and ensure designs meet project goals. The Engineer will report status to the Project Manager and work with the Engineering Team to promote professional growth.

Position requirements: Full‑time, shop/office work week. Normal hours: Monday‑Thursday 7:00 am‑4:30 pm and Friday 7:00 am‑12:00 pm, with flexibility for additional hours based on project demands. Report to the Design Engineer Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand the function and purpose of vehicle sub‑systems (chassis, suspension, drivetrain, brakes, exterior and interior systems, payload capacity, electrical, HVAC, fluid cooling). General hands‑on experience with automotive or vehicle systems is a plus.
• Develop and manage vehicle components and assemblies in CAD; generate new design ideas; work with Project Managers to provide continual schedule updates; apply GD&T techniques and ASME Y14.5 practices.
• Modeling performed with PTC Creo 7.0; understand external copy geometry and assembly skeleton relationships. Senior Design Engineer will guide model tree parent/child structure for each project.
• Perform structural FEA or mathematical analyses within capability; use Ansys when appropriate. Coordinate with outside FEA partners and provide necessary data to complete a comprehensive analysis summary. Advise Project Manager on when FEA should be used.
• Work with the production team and vendor base to produce prototypes; support manufacturing in the development of prototypes; report required changes to the CAD system.
• Develop and maintain thorough BOMs and production drawings for manufacturing and configuration management; produce reports detailing analysis and design changes.
• Understand MSI’s ERP system and interdepartmental functions throughout the product life cycle.

Skills And Qualifications Required

• Minimum BS in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive, motorsports or defense vehicle related field.
• Experience with sheet metal, weldments, and machined parts is a plus.
• 3+ years as high‑level CAD user preferred (Creo preferred).
• Minimum 1 year of PDM experience (Windchill preferred).
• Experience in FEA (Ansys) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing and analyzing automotive components and systems.
• Highly motivated, organized, and responsible.
• Leadership skills.
• Ability to interact with all types of people under pressure.
• Knowledge of machining practices, industry workings, and fabrication shop procedures.
• Microsoft Office Suite experience.
• Must be able to verify U.S. Person status per ITAR.
• Ability to obtain security clearance if required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match.
• Dental insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Health insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid Parental and Maternity Leave.
• Life insurance.
• Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year initially (prorated in first year).
• Continuing Education.
• Annual year‑end paid holiday closure.

Classification

• Position is full‑time, exempt.

MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.