Mechanical Engineer I

Life Fitness; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 4% match

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength in Schaumburg, IL is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to design, analyze, and release components for cardio and strength equipment. Hybrid role based out of Owatonna, MN or Schaumburg, IL with a mix of in‑office collaboration days.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 0–3 years of experience, with SolidWorks CAD proficiency and knowledge of GD&T and DFМ principles. Join a team focused on product development and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience (entry‑level encouraged).
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Understanding of 2D drawing creation and drafting standards
• Basic knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Knowledge of plastic part design including injection molding and DFM
• Knowledge of metal part design including sheet metal, weldments, castings
• Exposure to engineering analysis methods (FEA or hand calculations)
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills in product design
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and assemblies using SolidWorks CAD software.
• Create 3D models, drawings, and engineering documentation for manufacturing.
• Support product development activities, including concept generation, prototyping, and design validation.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Product Management, Manufacturing, Reliability, Purchasing, and suppliers.
• Assist in developing product specifications, timelines, and test plans.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements.
• Develop and release production Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Help resolve design‑related issues for existing products in manufacturing and the field.
• Travel up to approximately 20% to support supplier visits, prototyping, and production activities.
• Follow Mechanical Engineering procedures and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

GD&T

DFM

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLM (Teamcenter)

Job description

Join us as we empower the world to work out, creating healthier lives together.

Are you a Mechanical Engineer, passionate about fitness, and looking to gain hands‑on experience and grow your skills? Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is looking for a Mechanical Engineer I to join our team. You’ll be part of a team responsible for the design, analysis, and release of components and assemblies used in industry‑leading cardio and strength fitness equipment, from concept through production launch. The role is ideal for a candidate with strong CAD skills, particularly in SolidWorks, and a willingness to learn and grow in part design and product development. The engineer will also support existing products by assisting in resolving field, service, and manufacturing issues as needed.

This is a hybrid role based out of either our manufacturing facility in Owatonna, MN, or the Nieto‑Jones Innovation Center in Schaumburg, IL. M/F remote and T-Th are in-office collaboration days** #LI-Hybrid

As a Mechanical Engineer at Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, you will:

• Design and develop components and assemblies using SolidWorks CAD software
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation for manufacturing
• Support product development activities, including concept generation, prototyping, and design validation
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Product Management, Manufacturing, Reliability, Purchasing, and suppliers
• Assist in developing product specifications, timelines, and test plans
• Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements
• Develop and release production Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Help resolve design‑related issues for existing products in manufacturing and the field
• Travel up to approximately 20% to support supplier visits, prototyping, and production activities
• Follow Mechanical Engineering procedures and contribute to continuous improvement efforts

What Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is looking for in our Mechanical Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 0–3 years of experience (entry‑level candidates encouraged to apply)
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Understanding of 2D drawing creation and drafting standards
• Basic knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Knowledge of plastic part design, including; injection molding, Part design for manufacturability (DFM), draft, ribs, bosses, and wall thickness considerations
• Knowledge of metal part design, including; sheet metal, weldments, castings, machined components and aluminum extrusions
• Exposure to engineering analysis methods (FEA or hand calculations preferred)
• Strong willingness to learn and develop technical skills in product design and manufacturing
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving capability

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience involving CAD design
• Exposure to plastic component design or consumer product development
• Familiarity with PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter)
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping or fabrication
• Basic knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) principles

At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we believe in taking care of our team with a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive pay and a range of valuable benefits. The salary range for this position, intended for U.S. applicants, is $66,500 - $95,000 annually.The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities. The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Owatonna, MN and the actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full‑time team members, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with 4% employer match; medical, dental and vision insurance, parental, medical and military leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, paid vacation days beginning at 13 days annually, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, company paid short‑term disability and optional long‑term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts, employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance, hospital indemnity; identity protection, legal services, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Life Fitness / Hammer Strength complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regardingemployment_,_recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.