Mechanical Design Engineer I

Socket.dev; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join our Engineering team in Grand Rapids, MI. This entry-level role focuses on developing mechanical designs and production documentation for environmental test chambers, leveraging established standards and proven designs.

You will collaborate with Design Engineering and manufacturing operations to gain hands-on experience in chamber design, manufacturability, cost, quality, and serviceability while building the foundation for continued

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 1–3 years of experience in mechanical design, drafting, or manufacturing.
• Experience with SolidWorks and/or PTC Creo in designing sheet-metal based models
• AutoCAD experience with layouts and fabrication drawings.
• Working knowledge of sheet metal, fabrication, weldments, tolerances, fastening, and assembly
• Able to read, interpret, and write technical instructions, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to solve problems, evaluate data, make controlled design corrections, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with chamber layouts, sheet-metal parts, weldments, and mounting details.
• Prepare drawings, BOMs, submittals, print packs, and design updates.
• Support mechanical interfaces with refrigeration, electrical, controls, utilities, and facilities.
• Review specifications, inputs, and calculations with guidance.
• Coordinate basic requirements with internal teams, customers, vendors, and project managers.
• Apply standard mechanical design practices to support manufacturable designs.
• Assist Manufacturing with documentation, build questions, and design updates.
• Prepare customer, vendor, shipping, installation, and facility-interface drawings.
• Participate in design reviews, corrective actions, standardization, and improvement efforts.
• Maintain accurate records in engineering, PDM, and ERP/MRP systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

SolidWorks

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

Sheet metal drafting

Technical reading

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Windchill

SAP

Job description

MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

Level 1 | Environmental Test Chamber Engineering

Reports To:Mechanical Engineering Team Leader

Department:Engineering

Classification:Exempt, Full-Time

Direct Report:None

Travel:Minimal / periodic, as business needs require

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer I is an entry-level role responsible for developing mechanical designs and production documentation for WNA's environmental test chambers. Following established standards and leveraging proven designs, the engineer prepares layouts, drawings, bills of material, print packs, and related documentation. Through collaboration with Design Engineering and engagement with manufacturing operations, the engineer builds practical knowledge of chamber design, manufacturability, cost, quality, and serviceability while developing the skills needed for continued professional growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with chamber layouts, sheet-metal parts, weldments, and mounting details.
• Prepare drawings, BOMs, submittals, print packs, and design updates.
• Support mechanical interfaces with refrigeration, electrical, controls, utilities, and facilities.
• Review specifications, inputs, and calculations with guidance.
• Coordinate basic requirements with internal teams, customers, vendors, and project managers.
• Apply standard mechanical design practices to support manufacturable designs.
• Assist Manufacturing with documentation, build questions, and design updates.
• Prepare customer, vendor, shipping, installation, and facility-interface drawings.
• Participate in design reviews, corrective actions, standardization, and improvement efforts.
• Maintain accurate records in engineering, PDM, and ERP/MRP systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 1-3 years of experience in mechanical design, drafting, or manufacturing.
• Experience with SolidWorks and/or PTC Creo in designing sheet-metal based models
• AutoCAD experience with layouts and fabrication drawings.
• Working knowledge of sheet metal, fabrication, weldments, tolerances, fastening, and assembly
• Able to read, interpret, and write technical instructions, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to solve problems, evaluate data, make controlled design corrections, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Additional Qualifications

• PDM and ERP/MRP experience; Windchill and SAP a plus
• Refrigeration, thermal, electrical, controls, or integration exposure.
• Support engineering changes, BOM updates, production documents, and shop-floor issues.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Mostly desk-based work with periodic movement through production, test, file, and office areas.
• Includes extended computer use, data entry, and review of detailed technical information.
• Requires occasional physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lb., climbing, bending, and squatting.
• Minimal periodic travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals.

Job Description Acknowledgment

This job description summarizes the primary duties and qualifications for the position. It is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of every responsibility. Duties may be adjusted based on business needs, project assignments, and management direction.