Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa Llc; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

PTO & holidays

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision insurance

Disability protection

Job summary

Zen Sherpa Llc in Minnesota seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, optimization, and validation of advanced mobile systems for industrial/oil & gas apps. Hands-on problem solving, mechanical creativity, and production-ready designs are key.

Role is 100% on-site at Little Canada/Minneapolis area; daily collaboration with cross-functional teams; requires BSME and 3–7 years of experience; CAD proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo; travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• BSME degree required with 3–7 years of mechanical design experience.
• Demonstrated skills in assembly layouts, weldments, structural design, tolerances, or FEA basics.
• Fluent in 3D CAD and engineering documentation (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Mechanical system design from concept through prototype build and production release.
• Systems integration of hydraulics, pneumatics, structure, powertrain, and electrical subsystems.
• Specify components from brackets to hydraulic circuits and full machine assemblies.
• Provide engineering problem-solving support to clients with practical, manufacturable solutions.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, layouts, weldments, and production drawings.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with designers, manufacturing, and project engineers to meet timelines.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on problem solving

Strong communication

Education

BSME

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo

ANSYS

Hydraulic system design

Electrical system routing

Job description

A leading engineering design organization based in Little Canada, MN, we specialize in the development of industrial systems, heavy mobile equipment, and advanced mechanical technologies for demanding field environments. Our work centers on designing and engineering robust, high‑performance mobile machinery used across the construction, forestry, agricultural, and energy sectors.

You’re a hands‑on, innovative Mechanical Engineer ready to take ownership of mechanical design projects from concept through prototype build and production release. You enjoy solving complex engineering problems, working directly with heavy mobile equipment, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality designs on time.here.

This role requires daily onsite collaboration at our Little Canada, MN facility to support prototype builds, design reviews, equipment tear‑downs, and cross‑functional engineering activities.

Role Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design, optimization, and validation of advanced mobile mechanical systems used in demanding industrial and oil & gas applications. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on problem‑solving, mechanical creativity, and building equipment that performs reliably in high‑pressure, high‑load, and high‑cycle environments.

This position is 100% on‑site at our Minneapolis–St. Paul facility. No remote or hybrid work is available.

Requirements

Major Job Duties

• Mechanical system design — Design new and innovative mechanical components and assemblies for mobile machinery, from clean‑sheet concepts through prototype test and launch.
• Systems integration — Integrate hydraulics, pneumatics, structural elements, powertrain packaging, and electrical subsystems using a structured systems‑engineering approach.
• Component specification — Specify and define components ranging from brackets and gears to hydraulic circuits, powertrain elements, and full machine assemblies.
• Engineering problem‑solving — Support clients by rapidly diagnosing focused areas of concern and developing practical, manufacturable solutions.
• CAD modeling — Create detailed 3D models, layouts, weldments, and production drawings using modern CAD tools.
• Cross‑functional collaboration — Work with designers, manufacturing teams, and project engineers to meet timelines, resolve issues, and ensure design intent is carried through production.
• Prototype support — Assist with prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements.

Additional Considerations

• CAD proficiency in SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo; familiarity with multiple systems is a plus.
• Experience designing heavy equipment structures such as cranes, booms, frames, or high‑capacity weldments.
• Practical, hands‑on experience in manufacturing environments or related industries.
• Exposure to powertrain packaging, engine installation systems, hydraulic circuits, or electrical system layouts.
• Understanding of system‑level design for mobile or off‑highway equipment.

Requirements

• BSME required; 3–7 years of mechanical design experience in machinery, mobile equipment, or industrial systems.
• Demonstrated design skills through assembly layouts, weldments, structural design, hand calculations, tolerance analysis, or FEA fundamentals.
• Customer‑centric mindset with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to plan and execute design, analysis, prototype build, and testing activities.
• Fluency in at least one 3D CAD system (SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo).
• Ability to evaluate design trade‑offs and approach problems from multiple angles.
• Strong commitment to process discipline, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for engineering documentation.
• Must work on‑site at our St. Paul, MN office; occasional travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS or similar).
• Background in hydraulic system design or electrical system routing.
• Exposure to heavy mobile equipment such as construction, agriculture, rail, or energy‑sector machinery.

Work Environment

• 100% On‑Site at our Little Canada, MN engineering and prototyping facility—daily presence required.
• Hands‑on collaboration with mechanical engineers, hydraulic specialists, fabricators, machinists, and field technicians.
• Direct involvement in prototype builds, equipment tear‑downs, design reviews, and onsite testing.
• Occasional travel (~10%) to customer sites, field‑testing locations, fabrication partners and as required.

Benefits

We value our team's well-being and offer a robust benefits package to support your professional and personal growth:

• Competitive Compensation:An attractive Annual Salary, commensurate with experience.
• Personal Time Off (PTO):Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time off to recharge and maintain work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings:401(k) plan with company match to secure your future.
• Health and Wellness:Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Disability Protection:Short-term and long-term disability plans for peace of mind.