Mechanical Engineer I (Product Development Engineering)

Life Fitness; Ramsey (MN); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Life insurance

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength in Ramsey, MN seeks a Mechanical Engineer I to design and validate components for cardio and strength equipment. You’ll create SolidWorks models, drawings, and BOMs while collaborating with manufacturing and engineering teams to move concepts to production.

The role offers hybrid work from our Ramsey facility and supports ongoing product development with hands-on prototyping and testing. Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply.

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 concepts.
• Knowledge of metal part design, including sheet metal and weldments.
• 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, detailed drawings, and manufacturing docs.
• Support product development from concept to production launch.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Reliability, Purchasing, and suppliers.
• Develop product specifications, timelines, and test plans.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and iterative design improvements.
• Develop and release production BOMs.
• Help resolve design-related issues in manufacturing and the field.
• Travel up to 20% for supplier visits and prototyping.

Skills

SolidWorks

CAD

3D CAD

2D drawing

GD&T

Plastic part design

Metal part design

FEA

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

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 our manufacturing facility in Ramsey, MN. 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 think customer first, play as one team, and raise the bar on fitness innovation-in the gym and in every corner of our facilities. We persevere and get it done, with a clear purpose to inspire each other to live healthier lives.

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 $70,500 - $100,300 annually.

Benefits package

• 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
• an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions

Employees also have access to our state-of-the-art on-site fitness center featuring industry-leading Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment, making it easy to support health and wellness before, during, or after the workday.

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 regarding employment, 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.

Life Fitness/Hammer Strength does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors.

Headquartered outside of Chicago, in Rosemont, Illinois, the company manufactures and sells strength and cardiovascular equipment through its iconic Life Fitness and Hammer Strength brands.

Life Fitness is synonymous with innovation and quality in the cardio and strength training arena. The company’s cutting-edge equipment is designed to inspire and motivate, helping exercisers achieve their fitness goals with ease and efficiency.

Hammer Strength stands as a testament to raw power and durability. Renowned for its line of plate-loaded equipment, we dominate the strength training category with machines that are built to withstand the most intense workouts, trusted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

For more information, visit www.lifefitness.com.

Our values drive how we work, grow, and win-together:

• We think customer first: We're proactive, adaptable, and always improving the customer experience.
• We play as one team: We care, collaborate, and pick each other up-we win and lose together.
• We raise the bar on fitness innovation: We lead, not follow-pushing fitness further every day.
• We persevere and get it done: We out-work, out-match, and never compromise on quality or performance.
• We inspire each other to live healthier lives: We support well-being, inside and outside of work, to build a healthier world-together.

Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape the future of fitness.