Mechanical Engineer

Zocalo Recruiting; Richmond (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zocalo Recruiting is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of vehicle-integrated products in the Greater Houston area. The role involves hands-on CAD design, prototyping, testing, vehicle fitment, and moving products from concept through production.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical product development for vehicles or aftermarket applications, strong CAD skills, and experience with materials and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical product-development experience.
• Experience developing products for vehicles, mobile equipment, transportation products, or aftermarket applications.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawing creation.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation.
• Knowledge of materials and processes involving plastics, sheet metal, machined components, castings, or molded parts.
• Understanding of tolerances, fasteners, mounting systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience supporting products from initial concept through manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical products, components, housings, brackets, mounts, and assemblies.
• Develop products intended to integrate with specific vehicle platforms.
• Create and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Build and evaluate prototypes for fit, function, durability, and manufacturability.
• Conduct vehicle fitment studies and resolve packaging or installation challenges.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for new designs.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering, product development, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams.
• Support design reviews, validation testing, and engineering changes.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and production.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to improve cost, quality, and production readiness.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

Skills

5+ years

3D CAD

Prototyping

Engineering drawings

Materials knowledge

Tolerances & mounts

Hands-on troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Mechanical Engineer – Vehicle Product Development

Location: Greater Houston Area
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of durable, vehicle-integrated products and accessories.

This position is ideal for an engineer who has developed products for automotive, specialty vehicle, recreational vehicle, transportation, or aftermarket applications. The role will involve mechanical design, prototyping, testing, vehicle fitment, and taking products from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical products, components, housings, brackets, mounts, and assemblies
• Develop products intended to integrate with specific vehicle platforms
• Create and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials
• Build and evaluate prototypes for fit, function, durability, and manufacturability
• Conduct vehicle fitment studies and resolve packaging or installation challenges
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for new designs
• Collaborate with electrical engineering, product development, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams
• Support design reviews, validation testing, and engineering changes
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during development and production
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to improve cost, quality, and production readiness
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation throughout the product lifecycle

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 5+ years of mechanical product-development experience
• Experience developing products for vehicles, mobile equipment, transportation products, or aftermarket applications
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawing creation
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation
• Knowledge of materials and processes involving plastics, sheet metal, machined components, castings, or molded parts
• Understanding of tolerances, fasteners, mounting systems, and mechanical assemblies
• Experience supporting products from initial concept through manufacturing
• Strong practical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on product-development environment

Preferred Experience

• Vehicle accessories or vehicle-specific product development
• Automotive, specialty vehicle, recreational product, or aftermarket manufacturing
• Design for manufacturing and assembly
• Environmental, vibration, thermal, impact, or durability testing
• Supplier collaboration and production-launch support
• Experience designing products exposed to demanding operating conditions

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a practical, hands-on engineer who understands how products must fit, function, and survive in real-world vehicle applications. This person should be comfortable moving between CAD design, prototype evaluation, testing, supplier coordination, and hands‑on troubleshooting.

The position is fully onsite, and candidates must be local to the Greater Houston area or willing to relocate.