Mechanical Design Engineer

Virtue America; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtue America is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design and development of pharmaceutical equipment and production systems. You will help create 2D drawings and 3D CAD models, review specifications, and ensure designs meet safety and manufacturing requirements.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, and Quality Assurance to optimize equipment layouts and maintain documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Fundamental CAD and drafting skills.
• Familiarity with GD&T principles.
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, piping systems a plus.
• Experience with Excel/Word/PowerPoint for docs.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D drawings and 3D CAD models for components and assemblies.
• Support design of pharmaceutical equipment including tanks and piping.
• Prepare BOMs and maintain engineering drawings and specs.
• Review designs for dimensions, tolerances, materials, and safety.
• Develop equipment layouts for cleanroom environments.
• Collaborate with Process Eng, Manufacturing, QA on projects.
• Assist design changes and manufacturability assessments.

Skills

CAD modeling

GD&T understanding

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Creo

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Entry-Level Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, development, and improvement of mechanical components, equipment assemblies, and production systems used in pharmaceutical and life sciences environments. The ideal candidate will assist with preparing engineering drawings, developing 3D models, reviewing equipment specifications, and ensuring that mechanical designs meet functional, safety, and manufacturing requirements. This position is suitable for recent graduates interested in pharmaceutical equipment design, cleanroom systems, process machinery, and engineering solutions for regulated manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mechanical Design and Modeling: Assist in creating 2D engineering drawings and 3D CAD models for mechanical components, equipment assemblies, fixtures, and manufacturing support systems.
• Pharmaceutical Equipment Design: Support design activities involving tanks, vessels, pumps, piping assemblies, material-handling equipment, and other mechanical systems used in pharmaceutical production.
• CAD Documentation: Prepare and maintain technical drawings, assembly layouts, bills of materials (BOMs), design specifications, and revision-controlled engineering documents.
• Design Verification: Review drawings and design requirements to verify dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and functional requirements before release.
• Equipment Layout Development: Assist in preparing equipment layouts and mechanical arrangements for pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, laboratories, and controlled environments.
• Material Selection: Support the selection of suitable engineering materials based on corrosion resistance, cleanability, durability, compatibility, and intended operating conditions.
• Design Modification Support: Update mechanical designs in response to engineering changes, equipment performance feedback, manufacturing requirements, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Manufacturability Assessment: Collaborate with manufacturing and fabrication teams to evaluate component manufacturability, assembly requirements, and opportunities to simplify designs.
• Technical Specification Review: Assist in reviewing vendor drawings, equipment datasheets, technical manuals, and mechanical specifications for compliance with project requirements.
• Quality and Compliance Documentation: Maintain design records and support documentation activities aligned with applicable engineering standards, company procedures, and pharmaceutical quality expectations.
• Problem-Solving and Improvement: Help investigate mechanical design issues, identify potential failure points, and propose improvements to equipment reliability, maintainability, and operational safety.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Validation, Quality Assurance, and Project Engineering teams to coordinate design activities and project deliverables.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and material selection.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, or Autodesk Inventor.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, assembly diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Basic knowledge of pumps, valves, piping systems, pressure vessels, and mechanical equipment is an advantage.
• Awareness of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, cleanroom requirements, and hygienic equipment design principles.
• Understanding of bills of materials, engineering change documentation, and design revision control.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for engineering documentation and reporting.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Preferred: Academic design projects, internships, or practical exposure to mechanical CAD modeling, industrial equipment, process machinery, or pharmaceutical facility engineering.