Mechanical Engineer

Taco, Inc.; Cranston (RI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Taco, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate new and existing products.

You will translate theoretical designs into practical solutions through prototyping, testing, and analysis, leading cross-functional projects to meet company goals. You will perform engineering calculations, document design processes, and ensure compliance with industry and safety standards, while collaborating with manufacturing, quality, and purchasing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of related engineering experience.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAE/FEA tools (SolidWorks preferred), tolerance stack analysis, and GD&T.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate new and existing products and platforms.
• Construct models and build prototypes; calculate and analyze test results and prepare detailed reports with recommendations and conclusions.
• Perform engineering calculations to support design decisions and product specifications.
• Prepare documentation including design processes, assembly instructions, product specifications, test plans and project findings.
• Ensure products comply with industry and safety standards; troubleshoot issues in projects, production, or service.
• Lead design reviews and collaborate with senior engineers, project managers, and other departments.

Skills

Mechanical engineering experience

Verbal and written communication

Collaborative/team player

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CAD

CAE

FEA

SolidWorks

GD&T

Job description

As a family-owned and operated company, we feel a special obligation to the employees who comprise our Taco family. We are committed to offering employees access to the tools necessary to live long and productive lives. We strive to instill in all of our employees:

• A positive mental attitude that helps us to be a leader in the industry
• A commitment to building strong relationships, both inside and outside the organization
• A desire to learn, grow, and contribute to moving our strategy forward
• A need to create and to innovate

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Work Status: Hybrid

Position Summary:

The Mechanical Engineer d esign s , develop s and verifies new and existing products. Th ey ensure that theoretical designs are translated into practical solutions through detailed prototyping, testing, and analysis. The y also lead product design projects, ensuring integration with cross-functional teams to meet strategic company goals.

Measures of success:

• Accurate determination and documentation of functional requirements for mechanical components and assemblies
• Effectively designed and documented mechanical components that meet requirements, including internal and regulatory standards
• Effective troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical problems in projects, production or service
• Organized and well-planned work with on time completion of deliverables

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, and validate new and existing products and platforms.
• Construct models and build prototypes; calculate and analyze test results and prepare detailed reports with recommendations and conclusions.
• Perform basic and advanced engineering calculations to support design decisions and product specifications.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation including design processes, assembly instructions, product specifications, test plans and project findings.
• Ensure products comply with relevant industry and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical problems in projects, production, or service.
• Provide technical support including material selection, mechanical design and analysis, tolerances, and testing.
• Create and manage engineering change orders (ECO) and temporary change notices (TCN); approve First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Conduct Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to identify quality and reliability issues prior to production and ensure products meet cost targets and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with senior engineers, project managers, and other departments such as manufacturing, quality, and purchasing to ensure product design alignment with business goals. Prepare and present reports clearly conveying technical results and recommendations.
• Write engineering standards to improve designs, troubleshooting, and assembly procedures.
• Participate in quality investigations as assigned to identify root cause, develop solutions, and issue formal recommendations.
• Lead technical design reviews of components and subsystems.
• Assist other departments in the preparation of manuals and sales literature on assigned projects; analyze historical and current designs to meet customer specifications.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure designs meet the required specifications. May undertake domestic and international supplier visits to support specific projects as required.
• Stay updated on industry trends and technologies, attend conferences to enhance knowledge and professional skills.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's degree preferred
• 3+ years of related engineering experience
• Proficiency in Computer Aided Design ( CAD ), Computer Aided Engineering ( CAE ) and Finite Element Analysis ( FEA ) tools (SolidWorks preferred), tolerance stack analysis, and g eometric d imensioning and t olerancing (GD&T)
• Advanced problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to professionally interact across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders
• Strong collaborative skills, able to lead effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Minimal travel as need to support projects, training or conferences

This position works primarily in an office environment using computers and technology. Verbal and auditory capability are required. Occasional exposure in production plant where large equipment and noise are prevalent. Safety gear is required in these areas.

This position may work from home up to 2X/week if performance is in good standing.

This position has no direct reports.

With nearly 1,000 people working at Taco worldwide, each with their own story, you will discover a sense of community and diverse, intelligent colleagues who help us innovate, create and explore.

Taco employees benefit from a company that:

• Provides competitive salaries and benefits
• Offers tuition reimbursement, career development, and on-site training programs in our learning center
• Believes in sharing profits with its employees
• Is mindful about family, health and well-being
• Fosters conditions that allow people and communities to reach their full potential