Mechanical Design Engineer

GCS; Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS in Minnesota is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of sophisticated semi-automated manufacturing equipment from concept through commissioning. This hands-on role focuses on custom machine design and automation equipment development, mentoring junior engineers, and partnering with controls, software, and electrical teams.

You will support deployment of equipment to production in Shakopee and future expansion sites in Mexico, ensuring manufacturability and

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing custom automation or semi-automated manufacturing equipment.
• Expert proficiency with SolidWorks for complex assemblies.
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM and engineering document control.
• Strong 2D drafting with GD&T and manufacturing documentation.
• Material selection for precision equipment applications.
• Experience integrating purchased mechanical components into systems.
• Hands-on prototyping, assembly, testing, and qualification.
• Ability to work with controls, electrical, software, and process teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of complex semi-automated equipment using SolidWorks.
• Manage designs within SolidWorks PDM with revision control.
• Create detailed 2D drawings with dimensions, tolerancing, and GD&T.
• Select materials and specify bearings, actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and linear motion systems.
• Design for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, operator usability, and serviceability.
• Perform hands-on prototyping, assembly, testing, debugging, and equipment qualification.
• Partner with controls, software, and electrical engineers to integrate PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and automation technologies.
• Translate process requirements into practical equipment solutions alongside process engineering teams.
• Support deployment of equipment to production operations in Shakopee and future expansion sites in Mexico.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

2D drafting

Prototyping

Cross-functional teamwork

Assembly troubleshooting

Documentation

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Are you passionate about designing custom automation equipment from concept to commissioning? We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of sophisticated semi-automated manufacturing equipment and play a key role in bringing innovative solutions to life.

About the Role

As our Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as the lead designer on the equipment development team, taking ownership of complex machine designs from initial concept through build, testing, and production deployment. This is a highly hands-on engineering role focused on custom machine design and automation equipment development, not manufacturing engineering.

You’ll lead complete mechanical assemblies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and help drive innovative equipment solutions that support advanced manufacturing processes.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the mechanical design of complex semi-automated manufacturing equipment using SolidWorks
• Manage designs within SolidWorks PDM, ensuring proper revision control and data management
• Create detailed 2D mechanical drawings with full dimensioning, tolerancing, and GD&T
• Select materials and specify purchased components including bearings, actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and linear motion systems
• Design for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, operator usability, and serviceability
• Perform hands-on prototyping, assembly, testing, debugging, and equipment qualification
• Partner with controls, software, and electrical engineers to integrate PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and automation technologies
• Translate process requirements into practical equipment solutions alongside process engineering teams
• Support deployment of equipment to production operations in Shakopee and future expansion sites in Mexico

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing custom automation or semi-automated manufacturing equipment
• Expert proficiency with SolidWorks, including complex assemblies and mechanisms
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM and engineering document control
• Strong 2D drafting skills with GD&T, tolerancing, and manufacturing documentation
• Knowledge of material selection for precision equipment applications
• Experience integrating purchased mechanical components into custom-built systems
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting equipment
• Proven ability to work effectively with controls, electrical, software, and process engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in precision assembly equipment, fiber optics, medical devices, or small form-factor manufacturing
• Experience designing benchtop or tabletop semi-automated equipment
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and vision systems from a mechanical integration perspective