Mechanical Engineer

SMARTFOX; Texas; On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SMARTFOX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Texas to design and iterate mechanical components and systems from concept to production. You will use major CAD tools, apply GD&T, and run simulations to validate designs before manufacturing.

The role involves collaboration with suppliers, machine shops, and product teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions. The track includes levels I–Senior, with progression based on subsystems ownership, testing, and cost/reliability improvements.

Qualifications

• Must have solid foundation in statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials and machine design.
• Proficiency in at least one major 3D CAD package and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Hands-on mindset: internships, co-ops, capstone projects, teams or garage work.
• Clear written and shop-floor communication.
• ABET-accredited degree preferred; focus on what you can build.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings with GD&T for manufacturing.
• Run analysis and simulation (FEA/CFD/thermal) to validate designs.
• Build, test, and iterate on prototypes to improve design.
• Select materials and components based on performance, cost and manufacturability.
• Apply DFM/DFA to cut cost and defects.
• Collaborate with machine shops, suppliers, and production teams on the floor.
• Plan and execute testing: stress, fatigue, thermal, environmental and reliability.
• Manage ECOs, BOMs, and PLM/PDM documentation.
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, FMEA) when problems appear.
• Partner with electrical, software, quality, and product teams on integrated systems.

Skills

Statics & dynamics

3D CAD software

GD&T

Hands-on mindset

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems from concept through production using SolidWorks, Creo, NX, CATIA, or Inventor
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings with GD&T that manufacturing can build without guessing
• Run analysis and simulation (FEA, CFD, thermal, vibration) in ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation to validate designs before anything is cut
• Build, test, and iterate on prototypes, and use the data to improve the design
• Select materials, fasteners, bearings, motors, and other components based on performance, cost, and manufacturability
• Apply design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA) to cut cost and defects
• Work with machine shops, suppliers, and our production teams to solve issues on the floor
• Plan and execute testing and validation: stress, fatigue, thermal, environmental, and reliability
• Manage engineering changes (ECOs), BOMs, and documentation in PLM/PDM systems
• Run root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, FMEA) when problems appear
• Partner with electrical, software, quality, and product teams on integrated systems

Pick your track

• Level Typical experience What you’ll own
• Mechanical Engineer I - 0-2 years : Component-level design, CAD and drawings, testing support, learning our products with a dedicated mentor
• Mechanical Engineer II - 2-5 years : Owning subsystems end to end, leading analysis and testing, working directly with suppliers, mentoring newer engineers
• Senior Mechanical Engineer - 5+ years : Leading product or system design, setting technical direction, driving cost and reliability improvements, leading cross-functional projects

Promotion criteria are written down at every level, with regular career conversations to keep you moving. Many of our senior engineers started at Level I.

What you bring

Must have

• Solid foundation in statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials, and machine design
• Proficiency in at least one major 3D CAD package
• Understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5)
• Hands-on mindset: internships, co-ops, capstone projects, Formula SAE, robotics teams, or a garage workshop all count
• Clear communication, in writing and on the shop floor
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (ABET-accredited preferred). We care about what you can build.

Nice to have (not required)

• EIT/FE certificate or PE license (we support the path to PE for those who want it)
• Experience with FEA/CFD tools, MATLAB, or Python for analysis
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes: CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal, casting, welding, additive manufacturing
• Familiarity with Six Sigma, Lean, FMEA, or DOE
• Experience with PLM tools (Teamcenter, Windchill, Arena) and ERP/BOM management
• Industry experience in [automotive, aerospace, medical devices, HVAC, robotics, energy, consumer products, etc.]
• Standards knowledge such as ISO 9001, ASME, UL, or FDA design controls, depending on industry
• A portfolio of projects you can show off (printed parts, builds, competition teams)