Mechanical Designer - Solidworks

Associates Systems LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Associates Systems LLC in Houston is seeking a Mechanical / Aerospace Design Engineer for part-time, onsite work (29 hours/week). The role focuses on designing mechanical components and assemblies in SolidWorks, with emphasis on DFx, GD&T, and BOM management for space/high-reliability environments.

Responsibilities include engineering change control, PDM data management, vendor collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork with electrical and quality engineering to meet milestones.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience using solid modeling CAD software to design mechanical structures, mechanisms, or assemblies.
• 3+ years of experience with SolidWorks (3D modeling, assemblies, and 2D drafting) and SolidWorks PDM for data and workflow management.
• Demonstrated experience designing for manufacturing processes such as milling, turning, and fabrication.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and its application in production environments.
• Experience with formal change management processes, configuration management, and maintaining accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) within ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, supported by sound engineering judgment.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder); must successfully pass a U.S. government background check.

Responsibilities

• Designing mechanical components and complex assemblies using SolidWorks, following established company tools, processes, and procedures.
• Optimizing designs for efficiency and cost-effectiveness by applying DFM and DFA principles to ensure smooth transitions from concept through production.
• Preparing, reviewing, and releasing 2D drawings using GD&T to ensure technical accuracy, functional performance, and adherence to project schedules.
• Managing the full engineering change lifecycle, including creating and processing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), maintaining version control, and using SolidWorks PDM for secure file storage, revision management, and workflow control to ensure team access to the latest design data.
• Performing receiving inspections of fabricated hardware to verify compliance with specifications and drawings.
• Contributing to the development of test procedures to validate mechanical hardware against design requirements.
• Supporting engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and testing activities to meet project milestones and quality standards.
• Assisting in the preparation of safety documentation and presentations for safety review boards.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including electrical, systems, and quality engineering—to ensure successful project execution.
• Performing additional duties as required to support project objectives.
• Traveling minimally, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed to meet deadlines.

Skills

Solid modeling CAD

DFM

DFA

GD&T application

Engineering judgment

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

CSWP or CSWE certification

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

Job description

Mechanical / Aerospace Design Engineer

US Citizen or Green Card Holder

Strong SolidWorks exp

Parttime Status - Increased compensation to offset less hours may be available . 29 hours a week. Onsite work is required

The Mechanical Designer will be responsible:

• Designing mechanical components and complex assemblies using SolidWorks, following established company tools, processes, and procedures.
• Optimizing designs for efficiency and cost-effectiveness by applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to ensure smooth transitions from concept through production.
• Preparing, reviewing, and releasing 2D drawings using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure technical accuracy, functional performance, and adherence to project schedules.
• Managing the full engineering change lifecycle, including creating and processing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), maintaining version control, and using SolidWorks PDM for secure file storage, revision management, and workflow control to ensure team access to the latest design data.
• Performing receiving inspections of fabricated hardware to verify compliance with specifications and drawings.
• Contributing to the development of test procedures to validate mechanical hardware against design requirements.
• Supporting engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and testing activities to meet project milestones and quality standards.
• Assisting in the preparation of safety documentation and presentations for safety review boards.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including electrical, systems, and quality engineering—to ensure successful project execution.
• Performing additional duties as required to support project objectives.
• Traveling minimally, with occasional evening or weekend work as needed to meet deadlines.

Required:

• 5+ years of experience using solid modeling CAD software to design mechanical structures, mechanisms, or assemblies.
• 3+ years of experience with SolidWorks (3D modeling, assemblies, and 2D drafting) and SolidWorks PDM for data and workflow management.
• Demonstrated experience designing for manufacturing processes such as milling, turning, and fabrication.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and its application in production environments.
• Experience with formal change management processes, configuration management, and maintaining accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) within ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, supported by sound engineering judgment.
• Highly dependable, self-motivated, and accountable, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder); must successfully pass a U.S. government background check.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field from an accredited institution (candidates with relevant experience but no degree will be considered).
• Experience designing, procuring, manufacturing, and testing hardware intended for extreme environments (e.g., space, high temperature, high vibration).
• At least five years of mechanical design experience in product development for spaceflight, aerospace, or other high-reliability, high-specification applications.
• Familiarity with industry standards for mechanical design, manufacturing, and testing in aerospace or spaceflight environments.
• Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) or Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE) certification.