Mechanical Engineer

NDT.org; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Savings Plan

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

FSAs

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Benefits

Leaves of Absence

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Flextime

Telecommuting (limited)

Job summary

FOERSTER INSTRUMENTS INC. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and detail mechanical and pneumatic systems for automated handling equipment and production machinery.

You will move designs from concept through completion while collaborating with electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to deliver build-ready equipment. This role requires proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, plus 5+ years of experience in mechanical handling equipment design.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree and 5+ years of experience.
• Experience with automated component testing machines, robotic automation, or similar mechanical handling equipment design.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• FEA and prototyping experience.
• Strong presentation and technical report-writing skills.
• Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.
• Basic knowledge of Eddy Current Testing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and detail mechanical and pneumatic systems for automated handling equipment using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Translate customer requirements into functional, manufacturable designs from concept through completion.
• Develop layouts, 3D models, and 2D drawings.
• Research and select materials and components considering performance, cost, and availability.

Skills

presentation skills

report writing

communication

organization

time management

MS Office

team environment

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA

Job description

NDT.org Job Number:82655* Please reference NDT.org Job Number on all correspondence

Phone:[phone]

Company:FOERSTER INSTRUMENTS INC.

State:OH Ohio

Country:United States

Length:Full time - 37.5 hours weekly

Pay:Compensation is commensurate with experience.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

ABOUT THE ROLE

FOERSTER is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to conceive, design, and detail the mechanical and pneumatic systems of automated handling equipment, tooling, and production machinery in cooperation with internal stakeholders. In this role, you will take designs from concept through completion in a fast-paced environment, working closely with electrical, controls, manufacturing, and assembly teams to deliver reliable, build-ready equipment for our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Machine Design & Development

• Conceptualize, design, and detail mechanical and pneumatic systems for automated handling equipment, tooling, and production machinery using SolidWorks and AutoCAD
• Translate customer requirements, concepts, and specifications into functional, manufacturable designs — from concept through completion
• Develop layouts, 3D models, and detailed 2D drawings
• Research and select materials, components, and standard hardware based on performance, cost, and availability, leveraging vendor expertise, catalog/internet resources, and customer-specified components as needed

Engineering Analysis & Standards

• Perform engineering calculations (loads, tolerances, fits, speeds, thermal, and structural considerations) and FEA as needed
• Ensure designs comply with internal engineering standards, industry codes, and applicable safety regulations (OSHA, CE, ISO, etc.)
• Design for manufacturability, assembly, serviceability, and long-term reliability

Documentation & Release

• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including Bills of Materials, job status sheets, assembly and detail part drawings, pneumatic drawings, and operation/maintenance manuals
• Maintain SolidWorks and AutoCAD files and job folders to reflect design adjustments, changes, and revisions
• Release designs to production and manage engineering change requests

Cross-Functional & Project Support

• Collaborate with electrical, controls, manufacturing, purchasing, and assembly teams; participate in design reviews to ensure proper system integration
• Assist project managers with scheduling, planning, coordination, and technical input; identify and communicate risks early
• Attend and constructively participate in company and department meetings

Build, Assembly & Testing Support

• Provide hands‑on engineering support during machine assembly and debug phases; assist assemblers with interpretation of drawings and proper build methods
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement design improvements as needed
• Support machine testing, run‑off, and factory acceptance testing (FAT); verify machines meet performance, safety, and customer specifications; document issues, corrective actions, and design revisions

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve standard designs, reduce costs, simplify assembly, and increase machine reliability; maintain standard modules, templates, and design libraries
• Research new technologies to provide cost-effective, up-to-date design concepts; capture lessons learned and apply them to future projects

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life and AD&D Insurance (Accidental Death & Dismemberment)
• Short -Term Disability
• Long -Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits
• Leaves of Absence
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Flextime
• Telecommuting (limited)
• Length of Service Awards

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Skills:

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Engineering degree & 5 or more years of experience.
• Experience with automated component testing machines, robotic automation, or similar mechanical handling equipment design
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD (or similar 3D CAD software)
• FEA and conceptual design experience, including prototyping
• Strong presentation and technical report-writing skills
• Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Basic knowledge of Eddy Current Testing is a plus
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Delivers designs that are accurate, complete, and build-ready — not only conceptual
• Meets deadlines and communicates risks or obstacles early
• Maintains organized, traceable documentation and an organized, safe workspace
• Takes time to understand project scope, customer requirements, and design intent before beginning work
• Exercises good judgment, cost control, and time management in daily activities
• Always represents FOERSTER professionally when interacting with customers, suppliers, and partners