Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer

10 Center for Disability Svcs Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Generous paid time off and holidays

401(k) retirement option

Job summary

Center for Disability Services is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to prototype and fabricate innovative healthcare and assistive technology solutions. You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through prototyping to final validation, while collaborating with electrical and software teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

You will translate ideas into functional prototypes, operate shop equipment, refine designs based on testing, and ensure manufacturability with proper

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2–7 years of hands-on engineering and/or fabrication experience.
• Experience with CNC machining and shop equipment.
• Strong background in mechanical prototyping and assembly.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor).
• GD&T knowledge and materials selection experience.
• Experience operating CNC mills, lathes and prototyping equipment.

Responsibilities

• Translate concepts into functional prototype designs.
• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies.
• Operate and support shop equipment including 3D printers and CNC machines.
• Assist with design, machining, fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Iteratively refine prototypes based on testing and constraints.
• Select materials and fabrication methods based on function and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with electrical, software and multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain documentation and fabrication workflows.
• Support transition from concept to manufacturable designs.

Skills

Hands-on design and fabrication

Prototype to working model

Detail-oriented, safety & quality

Product understanding of build/refine

Fast-moving, adaptable

Clear technical communication

Team collaboration across disciplines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

About the Role

The Health Innovations Incubator & Technology Center (HII Tech) at the Center for Disability Services is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to help bring innovative ideas to life through prototyping and fabrication. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with tools, designing and building real systems, and transforming early‑stage concepts into functional, manufacturable prototypes.

You enjoy building things that have never existed before, are comfortable working with ambiguity, rapidly learn new technologies, and move ideas from concept to functional prototype. You take ownership, enjoy solving practical engineering problems, and thrive in multidisciplinary environments. You’ll play a key role in developing solutions across healthcare, assistive technology, and experimental engineering projects in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment. You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through prototyping to final validation.

What You’ll Do

• Translate concepts into functional prototype designs
• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies
• Operate and support shop equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, mills, saws, and drill presses
• Assist with design, machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing
• Iteratively refine prototypes based on testing and real‑world constraints
• Select materials and fabrication methods based on functionality, cost, and manufacturability
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and multidisciplinary teams
• Maintain clear documentation and organized fabrication workflows
• Support transition from concept to prototype to manufacturable and scalable designs

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2–7 years of hands‑on engineering and/or fabrication experience
• Experience with CNC machining and shop equipment
• Strong background in mechanical prototyping and assembly
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor)
• Knowledge of materials selection and fabrication methods
• Experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and prototype fabrication equipment
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Solid documentation and communication abilities
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rapid prototyping or product development environments
• Exposure to healthcare, assistive technology, or experimental systems
• Familiarity with 3D printing and mixed‑material fabrication
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Experience taking products from concept through validation
• Master’s degree in Engineering
• 3+ years of experience working with Autodesk Inventor
• Basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Structural Analysis, Design optimization experience

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong hands‑on design, fabrication and mechanical assembly expertise
• Ability to quickly move from idea to working prototype
• Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on safety and quality
• Practical understanding of how products are built and refined
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, project‑based environment
• Clear communication of technical concepts, progress, and risks
• Thrives in a fast‑moving environment

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast‑paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to move efficiently between CAD, fabrication, assembly, testing, and iterative design improvements
• Workshop and prototyping lab environment
• Ability to lift up to 15–25 lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, pushing, and pulling
• Extended periods working at a computer and with equipment
• May require travel to off‑site meetings or events

Benefits

• Work on real‑world innovations in healthcare and assistive technology
• Highly hands‑on engineering environment
• Opportunity to build, test, and iterate on meaningful solutions
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary, mission‑driven team
• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals supported by the Center
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement option

Equal Opportunity Employer

At the Center for Disability Services, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.

Compensation Range

$75,000.00 - $95,000.00