Mechanical Engineer I (Product Development Engineering)

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 4% employer match

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength in Ramsey, MN seeks a Mechanical Engineer I to design and release components for cardio and strength equipment. You will create 3D models and drawings, support prototyping and testing, and collaborate across Product Management, Manufacturing, and suppliers.

The role emphasizes SolidWorks CAD, part design for manufacturability (DFM) for plastics/metals, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid role with in-office collaboration several days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 0-3 years of experience (entry-level 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, DFM, draft, ribs, bosses, wall thickness.
• 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).
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills in product design and manufacturing.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

3D CAD

GD&T understanding

DFM for plastics

DFM for metals

Prototyping experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Teamcenter

PLM systems

FEA

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.

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.

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. 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.

There continues to be a significant increase in phishing attempts across all industries where fraudsters are impersonating real employees and sending fictitious job offers to applicants in a scheme to obtain sensitive information. Please note that Life Fitness/Hammer Strength will never ask for your financial information at any part of the interview process, including the post‑offer stage, and will only correspond through “@lifefitness.com” or "@indoorcycling.com" domain email addresses or “[e-mail]” for U.S. opportunities.

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