Mechanical Engineer II

Sight & Sound; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual increases

7 paid holidays

4 weeks annual PTO

Health, vision and dental insurance

401(k) plan

Disability and life insurance

Wellness incentive program

Free show tickets

Job summary

An entertainment organization in Lancaster, PA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to independently design mechanical systems for productions. This role involves collaborating with artists and technicians, performing structural analysis, and creating technical documentation. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, 6-8 years of experience, and advanced skills in SolidWorks. Competitive benefits include annual salary increases, health insurance, and a wellness program.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of machine design experience required.
• Experience with static, dynamic, and fatigue analysis in FEA.
• Deep knowledge of metal fabrication and construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and document mechanical systems for productions.
• Lead design reviews and provide expert engineering support.
• Create construction documentation and fabrication drawings.

Skills

SolidWorks proficiency

Machine design expertise

FEA experience

Strong communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

HR Recruiter at Sight & Sound Ministries

Sight & Sound is an organization comprised of people with diverse talents coming together as one in Christ to tell His story through who we are and what we do. We foster a culture of love for God and love for others, trust and teamwork, and a collaborative environment in which we get to do our best work every day.

Your Impact

The Mechanical Engineer II independently designs, specifies, and documents the complex structural frameworks and mechanical systems for set pieces, props, and puppets used across multiple productions. They lead design reviews, provide expert support, and engineer solutions to ensure structural integrity, buildability, and complete integration of automation and lighting systems. You'll do this by:

• Designing the framing and structure for a set piece as SolidWorks weldments/assemblies, with consideration for load paths, rigging points, and dynamic stability.
• Designing mechanical systems to achieve precise speed, power, and motion profiles using motors, gearboxes, chain drive, air/hydraulic powered cylinders, traction drive wheels, gas struts, turntables, multi‑bar linkages, etc.
• Collaborating with artists and technicians in routine meetings that are essential for the production process and identify all design requirements for an assigned project.
• Leading model and drawing reviews, providing an overview of the project and soliciting feedback to incorporate in the final design.
• Creating construction documentation (BOMs, cutlists) and fabrication drawings using SolidWorks and following all departmental standards and Scene Shop capabilities.
• Coordinating with designers from Automation/Electronics and Lighting to locate and mount required components, resolving integration conflicts prior to fabrication.
• Performing FEA for static, dynamic, and fatigue loads on critical elements (e.g., moving platforms, linkage systems).
• Supporting facilities and rigging projects, managing vendor quotes, timelines, and installation oversight.
• Mentoring junior engineers on SolidWorks best practices, FEA workflows, and theatrical design principles.

What Helps You Shine

• Bachelor’s or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field; current portfolio with a variety of professional work examples.
• 6‑8 years of machine‑design experience.
• Proven self‑discipline in managing multiple complex projects with firm deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (CSWP required; CSWE preferred).
• Strong FEA experience (static, dynamic, fatigue analysis).
• Deep knowledge of metal fabrication, machining, welding and construction practices.
• Excellent troubleshooting, cross‑functional communication, and initiative.

How We’ll Care for You

• Competitive salary with annual salary increases.
• 7 paid holidays and 4 weeks annual PTO.
• Health, vision and dental insurance.
• 401(k).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Membership to a direct primary care facility.
• Wellness incentive program and onsite gym.
• Free show tickets and reciprocal tickets to local theaters and attractions.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Production, Design, and Engineering
• Industry: Entertainment Providers