Mechanical Design Engineer I

Designformaking; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/10 schedule

Hands-on learning

Job summary

Designformaking in Idaho Falls is seeking an entry-level design-and-build engineer to design custom machinery and then build, test, and improve it on the shop floor. You will learn DFM's approach by contributing to real machines from design through commissioning, under a senior engineer.

You'll work on automation systems, use Onshape for modeling, and participate in reviews, drawings, BOMs, and practical fabrication.

Qualifications

• Foundational mechanical-design aptitude and interest in custom machinery and automation.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD and mechanical drawings; Onshape experience is preferred, but fundamentals and ability to learn matter most.
• Willingness to work hands-on in manufacturing and assembly, not only at a computer.

Responsibilities

• Learn and contribute to the full project arc from design through assembly and commissioning.
• Help design custom automation equipment and related components.
• Manufacture, assemble, fit, and troubleshoot equipment on the shop floor.
• Support design reviews, FAT/SAT, installation, and commissioning with senior engineers.

Skills

3D CAD

mechanical drawings

Education

Mechanical Engineering coursework/degree

Tools

Onshape

Job description

This is an entry-level design-and-build role. Working under the direction of a senior engineer, you will help design custom machinery, then get on the shop floor and help build, test, and improve it. This is not a drafting-only or CAD-only position: you will learn DFM's approach by contributing to real machines from design through assembly and commissioning.

You'll work on custom automation systems that may include robotics, conveyors, material handling, pneumatic systems, servo-driven mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, machine frames, guarding, and other purpose-built equipment. We use Onshape as our primary mechanical design platform.

Learn by designing and building real machines

Work under the direction of a senior engineer or assigned design lead, with clearly defined responsibilities and regular design reviews. Learn DFM's design standards, manufacturing practices, and approach to practical custom machinery.

Contribute to Onshape models, assemblies, manufacturing drawings, and BOMs for assigned components, mechanisms, and machine assemblies. Make reviewed revisions and maintain controlled design documentation.

Personally help manufacture, assemble, fit, and troubleshoot equipment on the shop floor alongside machinists, fabricators, technicians, and controls engineers. Learn how design decisions affect fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and reliable operation.

Support build and fit-up problem-solving and help return approved shop and field fixes to CAD, drawings, and BOMs.

Participate in design reviews and support build, debug, FAT, SAT, installation, and commissioning alongside senior engineers. You will contribute to the full project arc without being expected to own a complete machine independently.

Occasional travel to customer sites may be required to support installation, SAT, and commissioning with the project team.

You may work on

Custom automation equipment and industrial machinery

Robotic work cells, tooling, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling

Conveyor and material-handling systems

Pneumatics, servos, and linear motion

Machine frames, weldments, and fabricated or machined parts

Guarding, industrial safety, GD&T, and DFMA

Must have

Foundational mechanical-design aptitude and a genuine interest in custom machinery and industrial automation.

Working knowledge of 3D CAD and mechanical drawings; Onshape experience is preferred, but strong fundamentals and the ability to learn matter most.

Willingness and ability to work hands-on in manufacturing and assembly, not only at a computer.

Typically 0–2 years of mechanical design experience; internships count. College projects, machining, fabrication, mechanical assembly, co-op experience, or other practical design/build work are valuable, and no prior full-time custom-automation experience is required.

Ability to accept direction and feedback, ask useful questions, and communicate clearly with engineers and shop personnel.

Attention to drawing, BOM, and design-documentation accuracy.

Nice to have

Degree or coursework in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent practical experience is also valued.

Onshape parts, assemblies, drawings, configurations, or version-control experience.

Machining, fabrication, welding, mechanical assembly, or shop-project experience.

Exposure to robotics, pneumatics, motion systems, sensors, or machine safety.

Basic GD&T and design-for-manufacture/assembly knowledge.

What's great about the job

Full-time role with a 4/10 schedule

Learn from senior engineers on real custom automation and robotics projects

See your design work become physical equipment, then help build and improve it

Hands-on experience across design, manufacturing, testing, installation, and commissioning

A team that values practical learning, craftsmanship, and reliable machines

The kind of engineer we want

You are curious about how things are made and eager to understand why a design works on the shop floor—not just on the screen. You take direction well, ask questions, learn from machinists and technicians, and are willing to pick up tools and help turn your work into a working machine.

Ready to apply?

Idaho Falls. Full-time. Learn to design by helping build real machines.