Mechanical Engineer II

ANIMAX

Nashville (TN)

On-site

USD 72,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading animatronics firm in Nashville is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to design and innovate complex mechanical systems for themed entertainment. The role requires a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, 5-10 years of experience, and proficiency in SolidWorks. You will engage in creative problem-solving and project management, working collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary between $72,000 and $75,000 offered.

Qualifications

5–10 years of relevant engineering experience; themed entertainment preferred.
Must submit a portfolio demonstrating relevant work applicable to animatronics.

Responsibilities

Design, validate, and document custom electromechanical systems using SolidWorks.
Collaborate cross-functionally with creatives, engineers, and clients.
Develop 3D models, detailed assemblies, and fabrication drawings.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical systems knowledge

GD&T understanding

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PDM systems

Job description

Join a creative, fast-paced team designing industry-leading animatronic and puppet characters for the themed entertainment industry. As a Mechanical Engineer II, you’ll apply skills from industrial/manufacturing engineering, machine design, and R&D—emphasizing reliability, precision, and documentation—to bring imaginative concepts to life through mechanical innovation.

This position blends creative problem-solving with rigorous engineering across the full project lifecycle, from concept to fabrication and on-site commissioning. You’ll design custom mechanisms for multiple complex characters at once, balancing lifelike motion, durability, and manufacturability within tight timelines. Finished designs are effectively limited-run prototypes that must function flawlessly within highly constrained, organic forms for decades—always supporting storytelling while remaining invisible to the audience.

Key Responsibilities

Design, validate, and document custom electromechanical systems (linkage-driven, actuated, etc.) using SolidWorks.
Collaborate cross-functionally with creatives, engineers, and clients.
Develop 3D models, detailed assemblies, and fabrication drawings.
Integrate mechanical designs with controls, figure finish, and maintenance considerations.
Perform mathematical, structural, and dynamic analyses (FEA, RBD, etc.)
Manage documentation, BOMs, and vendor coordination.
Navigate complex customer restrictions concerning design aspects (i.e., materials, hardware, allowed approaches, etc)
Develop FAR and SLHA assessments.
Support installation and commissioning of characters on-site.
Work with Legacy designs to bring them up to present-day standard.
Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited or equivalent).
5–10 years of relevant engineering experience; themed entertainment preferred.
Proficiency in SolidWorks and PDM systems.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, GD&T, and modern manufacturing.
Excellent communication, multitasking, and collaboration skills.
Must submit a portfolio demonstrating relevant work applicable to animatronics and/or the Themed Entertainment industry.

Travel

Minimal

Work Environment

Work is performed in a warehouse/shop environment with exposure to typical industrial conditions, including noise and the operation of machinery and equipment.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function