Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation

Axis Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse projects

Benefits package

Collaborative culture

Career growth

Job summary

Axis Automation is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Michigan to design custom automation equipment and lead projects from concept through startup. You will collaborate with controls engineers, machine builders, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, manufacturable designs that balance performance, reliability, and cost.

The role requires 5+ years of experience, strong SolidWorks skills, and a passion for mentoring others within a collaborative engineering culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in custom automation, machine design, or industrial equipment.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing custom machinery, automation systems, or industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing processes, and machine design best practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and customers.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for mentoring others and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative custom automation equipment, machine assemblies, and tooling using SolidWorks.
• Lead mechanical design efforts from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer startup.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers, Machine Builders, Project Managers, and Manufacturing teams to deliver complete automation solutions.
• Develop robust, manufacturable designs while balancing performance, reliability, cost, and ease of assembly.
• Review customer requirements and transform concepts into practical automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot mechanical design challenges during assembly, integration, and commissioning, developing effective long-term solutions.
• Work directly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, evaluate components, and support successful project execution.
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering standards, design practices, and overall project efficiency.

Skills

SolidWorks proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Mentoring others

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Custom Automation & Machine Design

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.

We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, leading projects, and bringing innovative automation concepts to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Design innovative custom automation equipment, machine assemblies, and tooling using SolidWorks.
• Lead mechanical design efforts from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer startup.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers, Machine Builders, Project Managers, and Manufacturing teams to deliver complete automation solutions.
• Develop robust, manufacturable designs while balancing performance, reliability, cost, and ease of assembly.
• Review customer requirements and transform concepts into practical automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot mechanical design challenges during assembly, integration, and commissioning, developing effective long-term solutions.
• Work directly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, evaluate components, and support successful project execution.
• Mentor junior mechanical engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering standards, design practices, and overall project efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in custom automation, machine design, or industrial equipment.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing custom machinery, automation systems, or industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing processes, and machine design best practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and customers.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for mentoring others and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotic integration and automated manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of pneumatic systems, servo-driven mechanisms, and motion systems.
• Experience supporting projects through machine build, integration, and customer startup.
• Previous experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred.

Benefits

• Exposure to a wide variety of projects across multiple industries.
• Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire.
• Collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for career growth.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000