Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC; Vadnais Heights (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

PTO & holidays

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Zen Sherpa LLC in Little Canada, MN, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, optimization, and validation of advanced mobile mechanical systems for demanding industrial and oil & gas applications. This on-site role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, prototype builds, testing, and delivering reliable equipment that performs under high load and cycle conditions at our Minneapolis-St.

Paul facility.

Qualifications

• BSME degree required or equivalent.
• 3–7 years of mechanical design experience in mobile or industrial systems.
• Strong CAD skills with SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo.
• Ability to plan, analyze, prototype, and test designs.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design new mechanical components and assemblies for mobile machinery.
• Integrate hydraulics, pneumatics, structures, powertrain, and electrical subsystems.
• Specify components like brackets, gears, hydraulic circuits, and full machine assemblies.
• Diagnose issues and develop practical, manufacturable solutions.
• Create 3D models, layouts, weldments, and production drawings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet timelines.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and design iterations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Hands-on problem solving

Project ownership

Education

BSME degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo

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.

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