Mechanical Engineer

Vaco Recruiter Services; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop complex, custom automation equipment in an OEM environment. This is a highly hands-on, design-focused role offering end-to-end ownership from concept through production.

The position is based in Sarasota, FL, Direct Hire with compensation of $115,000 to $135,000 per year. The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years in capital equipment design and strong CAD skills to drive projects from concept to production.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years designing capital equipment in OEM/machine-building environments.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or Inventor).
• Experience with machine design, drawings, BOM creation.
• Experience with automation systems (pneumatics, motion systems, conveyors).
• Excellent communication and collaboration with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical, electro‑mechanical, and pneumatic systems for automated machinery.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, electrical engineering, and other teams to prototype, test, and validate designs.
• Troubleshoot issues and drive improvements through root cause analysis and innovation.
• Provide technical support to production, purchasing, and service teams.
• Ensure designs meet customer specifications, performance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Take ownership of projects from initial concept through production with minimal supervision.

Skills

Capital equipment design

3D CAD

Machine design

Engineering drawings

Automation systems

Communication & collaboration

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Job description

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop complex, custom automation equipment in an OEM environment. This is a highly hands‑on, design-focused role offering end‑to‑end ownership from concept through production.

Location: Sarasota, FL

Job Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $115,000-$135,000/year

Day-to-Day

• Design and develop mechanical, electro‑mechanical, and pneumatic systems for automated machinery
• Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials (BOMs)
• Collaborate with manufacturing, electrical engineering, and other teams to prototype, test, and validate designs
• Troubleshoot issues and drive improvements through root cause analysis and innovation
• Provide technical support to production, purchasing, and service teams
• Ensure designs meet customer specifications, performance standards, and regulatory requirements
• Take ownership of projects from initial concept through production with minimal supervision

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience designing capital equipment in an OEM/machine‑building environment
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
• Experience with machine design (assemblies, components, full systems) and engineering drawings, dimensioning, and BOM creation
• Experience working with automation systems (pneumatics, motion systems, conveyors)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering and production teams

Nice-to-Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
• Experience with packaging machinery (cartoning, pouching, form‑fill‑seal, etc.)
• Background in highly customized or high‑speed automation equipment
• Exposure to cross‑functional work with electrical engineering teams