Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation

DuPont; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DuPont is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop electromechanical manufacturing automation systems. You will design equipment, integrate robotics, and create CAD models and BOMs for production lines. This role requires hands-on assembly, testing, and commissioning, with strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering teams.

This position emphasizes safety-compliant machine design, FAT/SAT involvement, and travel to supplier sites as needed in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience with automated manufacturing equipment and automation integration.
• Experience with industrial robotics, manufacturing processes, and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, machine design, materials, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding, plastics, and additive manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience in equipment assembly, testing, troubleshooting, installation, and commissioning.
• Strong communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation equipment, robotic systems, tooling, and material-handling solutions.
• Integrate automation technologies into manufacturing processes.
• Create 3D CAD models, layouts, technical drawings, and BOMs.
• Perform mechanical design analyses, calculations, and equipment sizing.
• Define interfaces with robots, PLCs, sensors, actuators, and safety systems.
• Build, test, troubleshoot, and validate prototypes and production equipment.
• Develop equipment specifications, requirements, and installation plans.
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and machine design best practices.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting quality, cost, and timeline objectives.
• Travel to manufacturing and supplier sites as required.

Skills

Automation integration

Industrial robotics

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

GD&T tolerance analysis

Machining & fabrication

Equipment assembly & commissioning

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it’s providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world’s most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers (https://careers.dupont.com/us/en/whyjoinus)

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it’s providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world’s most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont.

The Mechanical Design Engineer develops and integrates electromechanical systems for safe, reliable, and scalable manufacturing automation. This hands-on role designs custom equipment, improves existing machinery, and integrates commercial off-the-shelf systems into production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation equipment, robotic systems, tooling, and material-handling solutions.
• Integrate automation technologies into manufacturing processes.
• Create 3D CAD models, layouts, technical drawings, and BOMs.
• Perform mechanical design analyses, calculations, and equipment sizing.
• Define interfaces with robots, PLCs, sensors, actuators, and safety systems.
• Build, test, troubleshoot, and validate prototypes and production equipment.
• Develop equipment specifications, requirements, and installation plans.
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and machine design best practices.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting quality, cost, and timeline objectives.
• Travel to manufacturing and supplier sites as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience with automated manufacturing equipment and automation integration.
• Experience with industrial robotics, manufacturing processes, and electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, machine design, materials, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding, plastics, and additive manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience in equipment assembly, testing, troubleshooting, installation, and commissioning.
• Strong communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Capabilities and Experiences

• 8+ years of experience in automated equipment design and development within a discrete manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in automation solutions, including robots, cobots, conveyors, sensors, AMRs/AGVs, and related equipment.
• Experience integrating custom and off-the-shelf automation into existing manufacturing operations.
• Background in designing robotic tooling, fixtures, feeding systems, guarding, and material-handling equipment.
• Experience with automated assembly, machine tending, inspection, packaging, palletizing, or testing systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, robotics, and automation controls.
• Knowledge of machine safety standards (ISO 13849, OSHA, ANSI, RIA).
• Experience managing automation suppliers, machine builders, and system integrators.
• Hands‑on involvement with FAT, SAT, commissioning, qualification, and production startup activities.

Join our Talent Community (http://careers.dupont.com/us/en/jointalentcommunity) to stay connected with us!

DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information (http://www.dupont.com/global-links/accessibility.html) .

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page (http://careers.dupont.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits) .