Mechanical Design Engineer

Virginia Transformer Corp; Muscle Shoals (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Transformer Corp in Muscle Shoals, AL is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to develop mechanical designs and detailed drawings for large oil-immersed power transformers. You will create 2D and 3D models, ensure compliance with customer specifications, and collaborate with electrical, dielectric, thermal, and manufacturing teams to deliver production-ready designs.

The role emphasizes hands-on CAD work, accurate documentation, and close interaction with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• 3–7 years mechanical design experience, preferably in power transformer manufacturing.
• Experience preparing transformer general arrangement drawings and mechanical assembly drawings.
• Proficient in AutoCAD 2D and Autodesk Inventor 3D.
• Familiarity with transformer core-and-coil construction.
• Understanding of lifting and transportation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop transformer general arrangement drawings using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Create 3D models and 2D assembly drawings of core-and-coil structures.
• Prepare tank and cover fabrication drawings and mounting arrangements.
• Coordinate with electrical and dielectric engineers on insulation clearances.
• Support manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and revision control.
• Assist shop-floor teams with fabrication and assembly issues.

Skills

Transformer general arrangement

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD 2D

Autodesk Inventor 3D

Autodesk Vault / PDM

Job description

On the heels of achieving 3X growth, Virginia Transformer is hiring to do it again!

We’re strategically building our team for the next 3X growth cycle — a phase that is both intense and incredibly rewarding. We’re highly selective about who joins us, because this journey isn’t for everyone.

If you have the drive, grit, and expertise to perform at a high level — and you want to grow your career 3X alongside the Company’s growth — we’d love to talk.

Who We Are

Virginia Transformer is the largest U.S.-owned producer of power transformers in North America, and we’ve been able to grow the past 50-plus years through an unwavering focus on delivering for our customers. We’re more than 6,000 people strong and are known throughout the industry for being an engineering company that makes premium quality transformers in the shortest lead times.

As a privately held, organically growing company, we thrive on nimbleness, innovation, and tenacity.

Join Our Team

If you love the thrill of securing the U.S. electric grid, enabling all manufacturing in the country, and the energy of a fast-moving train — this is the place for you. We train hard, grow together, and lead with purpose. Every transformer we build is custom, every challenge unique, and every team member essential.

Join a Company Built to Grow – Powered by People

At Virginia Transformer, we’re not just manufacturing custom transformers — we’re building power solutions that move the world. As a privately held, organically growing company, we thrive on momentum, innovation, and grit.

If you love the thrill of manufacturing, the strategy of an endurance race, and the energy of a fast-moving train — this is your track. We train hard, grow together, and lead with purpose. Every transformer we build is custom, every challenge unique, and every team member essential.

We’re looking for those ready to lead, fueled by commitment, and driven by impact. One team. One mission. One source.

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer – Power Transformers

Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Mechanical Design Engineer to develop mechanical designs, general arrangement drawings, internal core-and-coil assembly drawings, and manufacturing documentation for large oil-immersed power transformers.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor, ensuring that all mechanical designs meet customer specifications, electrical design requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and applicable engineering standards.

The role requires practical knowledge of power transformer construction, including transformer tanks, core-and-coil assemblies, clamping structures, internal supports, high-voltage bushings, radiators, conservators, piping, and accessories.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will coordinate closely with electrical, dielectric, thermal, manufacturing, and testing teams to develop mechanically sound, manufacturable, and cost-effective transformer designs.

The primary objective is to deliver accurate, complete, and production-ready mechanical drawings and 3D assemblies that support efficient manufacturing, reliable transformer performance, and timely project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Transformer General Arrangement (Outline) Drawings:

• Develop transformer general arrangement drawings using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Establish overall transformer dimensions and equipment layout.
• Develop radiator, cooler, conservator, and accessory layouts.
• Prepare lifting, jacking, pulling, and anchoring arrangements.
• Calculate and document approximate overall weights, oil volumes, and center-of-gravity locations using validated design data.
• Ensure general arrangement drawings comply with customer specifications and approved design requirements.

Internal Core-and-Coil Assembly Design:

• Develop 3D models and 2D assembly drawings of transformer core-and-coil structures.
• Develop winding mounting and positioning arrangements.
• Model pressure rings, clamping plates, support blocks, and associated mechanical components.
• Prepare active-part lifting and handling arrangements.
• Coordinate with electrical and dielectric engineers to incorporate required insulation dimensions and electrical clearances.
• Develop assembly documentation to support core-and-coil manufacturing and final assembly.

Transformer Tank and Cover Design:

• Prepare transformer tank and cover 3D models and detailed fabrication drawings.
• Model bushing turrets, manholes, inspection openings, and mounting structures.
• Prepare radiator and cooler mounting arrangements.
• Prepare tank welding and fabrication details.
• Incorporate specified vacuum, pressure, lifting, transportation, and seismic design requirements provided or approved by the responsible specialists.
• Support design optimization for fabrication efficiency and material utilization.

Internal Mechanical Components and Supports:

• Prepare detailed drawings of internal lead supports and clamping brackets.
• Model pressboard support structures and mechanical insulation components.
• Prepare tap changer mounting and support structures.
• Model current transformer mounting arrangements where applicable.
• Coordinate with thermal engineers to incorporate oil circulation and cooling requirements.
• Support mechanical assembly standardization.

External Accessories and Equipment Layout:

• Prepare detailed arrangements for bushings, radiators, conservators, and cooling equipment.
• Model piping, valves, flanges, and connections.
• Prepare mounting arrangements for pumps, fans, oil-flow indicators, and other cooling accessories.
• Ensure accessibility for maintenance, inspection, and operation.
• Verify dimensional compatibility of purchased components using approved vendor drawings.
• Coordinate external accessory placement with customer requirements and transportation limitations.

AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor 3D Modeling:

The candidate must be proficient in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.

• Create parametric 3D part models and assemblies using Autodesk Inventor.
• Generate manufacturing drawings from approved 3D models.
• Maintain consistent modeling practices, part numbering, and drawing standards.
• Manage design revisions and engineering change documentation.
• Support digital design standardization and engineering productivity improvements.

Manufacturing Drawings and Bills of Materials:

• Prepare detailed fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Develop mechanical bills of materials for tanks, clamping assemblies, supports, and accessories.
• Prepare cutting, machining, welding, and assembly details.
• Coordinate drawing requirements with production and procurement teams.
• Ensure drawing accuracy and completeness before release.
• Maintain drawing revision control and engineering documentation records.

Mechanical Design Verification and Quality:

• Perform dimensional and interference checks on mechanical designs.
• Review mechanical tolerances and assembly clearances.
• Support structural design calculations under the guidance of senior mechanical specialists.
• Participate in design reviews and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Investigate drawing errors and mechanical assembly deviations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable company design procedures and customer specifications.

Manufacturing and Shop-Floor Support:

• Provide technical support to tank fabrication, core-and-coil assembly, and final transformer assembly teams.
• Resolve drawing interpretation and dimensional fit-up issues.
• Review fabrication and assembly deviations.
• Coordinate approved design modifications with manufacturing.
• Improve drawings based on manufacturing feedback and lessons learned.
• Support continuous improvement of mechanical design and production processes.

Cross-Functional Engineering Coordination:

• Work with electrical design engineers to incorporate winding and core dimensions.
• Coordinate with dielectric engineers on insulation clearances and lead arrangements.
• Work with thermal engineers on oil ducts, cooling equipment, and piping layouts.
• Coordinate with procurement on material specifications and vendor component drawings.
• Support project engineering and customer drawing approval processes.
• Report design progress, technical issues, and engineering risks to the Senior Engineering Manager.

Key Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology or a closely related qualification may be considered with strong relevant experience.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 3–7 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in power transformer manufacturing.
• Experience preparing transformer general arrangement drawings and mechanical assembly drawings.
• Practical experience with AutoCAD 2D and Autodesk Inventor 3D.
• Experience in tank fabrication, structural steel assemblies, or heavy electrical equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with transformer core-and-coil construction is strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials.
• Experience supporting fabrication and shop-floor assembly operations.

Candidates with strong mechanical CAD and heavy electrical equipment design experience may be considered if they demonstrate the ability to learn transformer-specific construction requirements.

Preferred Skills & Technical Competencies

Mechanical Design:

• Transformer general arrangement drawings.
• Core-and-coil assembly layouts.
• Tank and cover fabrication drawings.
• Clamping frames and mechanical supports.
• Internal and external accessory arrangements.

CAD Software:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD 2D.
• Strong proficiency in Autodesk Inventor 3D.
• Parametric part modeling and large assembly modeling.
• Drawing generation from 3D models.
• Interference and clearance verification.
• Autodesk Vault or equivalent PDM experience preferred.

Manufacturing Knowledge:

• Steel fabrication and welding.
• Machining and dimensional tolerances.
• Mechanical assembly processes.
• Fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Engineering bills of materials.
• Strength of materials.
• Mechanical tolerances and fits.
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Understanding of lifting and transportation requirements.

Standards:

• Familiarity with applicable IEEE C57 transformer requirements.
• Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 or equivalent drawing and dimensioning standards.
• Familiarity with AWS welding requirements and ASTM material specifications.
• Ability to interpret customer mechanical specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and drawing accuracy.
• Good spatial visualization and 3D modeling ability.
• Practical understanding of fabrication and assembly processes.
• Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple drawing assignments and meet deadlines.
• Good technical communication and documentation skills.
• Willingness to work closely with manufacturing personnel.
• Commitment to engineering quality and continuous improvement.