Mechanical Design Engineer

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Kelly® Engineering in Bradenton, Florida, is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer for a direct-hire, on-site role. Relocation assistance is available and the position focuses on design and analysis of marine-transport trailers and systems.

The role requires creating 3D models and detailed drawings, performing structural calculations, and collaborating with fabrication teams to ensure producibility and compliance with FMVSS standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline preferred.
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• Hands-on design ownership for trailers is preferred and related experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom trailers and transporters meeting customer requirements, standards, and FMVSS.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Structural analysis

Engineering calculations

Manufacturing awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Designer/Drafter experience

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Kelly® Engineering is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a direct-hire, fully on-site position with an established custom marine-transportation equipment manufacturer in Bradenton, Florida. Relocation assistance available.

Overview

Our client is a long-established manufacturer of custom, all-welded trailers and transport systems serving recreational, commercial, and defense-related marine applications. Its operation combines engineered-to-order product development with hands-on manufacturing of aluminum and steel structures tailored to each vessel and customer requirement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop custom trailers and transporters that satisfy customer requirements, functional standards, towing needs, and applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Create accurate 3D models, detailed manufacturing drawings, bills/cut lists, and engineering change notices for welded aluminum and steel assemblies.
• Perform practical engineering calculations, including member strength, beam deflection, weight, balance, load distribution, and structural feasibility assessments.
• Review boat-hull geometry and specifications to define hull support, fitment, loading, and towing characteristics.
• Translate customer requirements into manufacturable concepts and evaluate feasibility for new or highly customized applications.
• Select and source components, equipment, and materials in coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Partner closely with manufacturing to resolve design questions, improve producibility, and support continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Produce detailed work efficiently while maintaining strong dimensional accuracy, configuration control, and documentation quality.
• Work in KeyCreator and, as the business transitions platforms, help verify the successful transfer of models and drawings into SolidWorks.
• Occasionally travel to boat locations—primarily within Florida—to support vessel scanning and related technical activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline is preferred for the Mechanical Engineer track; a degree is not required for an accomplished Designer/Drafter with directly relevant experience.
• Hands-on design ownership for boat trailers is strongly preferred; experience designing utility trailers, commercial or tractor trailers, car haulers, or heavy-equipment trailers will also be considered.
• Proficiency with 3D mechanical-design software; SolidWorks or comparable CAD experience is required
• Working knowledge of welded-structure design in aluminum and/or steel and the ability to interpret technical drawings, product specifications, and scan data.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and the ability to collaborate directly with fabrication and assembly teams.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel; pivot tables and lookup functions are preferred, while VBA/macros are a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
• Ability to work on site in Bradenton, Florida, with less than 10% travel.