Senior Mechanical Design Engineer — Automation & Prototyping

GCS Recruitment; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to own complex semi-automated manufacturing equipment projects from concept through build, testing and implementation. You will design, model, and document systems using SolidWorks, manage revisions in SolidWorks PDM, and mentor junior engineers across multiple projects.

You will collaborate with controls, software, electrical, and process teams, select materials, and source components to meet performance targets while ensuring

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in custom machinery, automation, or equipment design.
• Strong expertise in SolidWorks and mechanical system development.
• Proven experience with GD&T, manufacturing drawings, and design documentation.
• Knowledge of motion systems, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and machine components.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and prototype build experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced mechanical systems and custom automation equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Manage engineering files and revisions within SolidWorks PDM.
• Select materials and source mechanical components to meet performance requirements.
• Participate actively in machine build, assembly, prototype development, and debugging.
• Work closely with controls, software, electrical, and process engineering teams.
• Ensure equipment designs are practical, reliable, and easy to manufacture and maintain.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute technical leadership across projects.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Manufacturing drawings

Design documentation

Motion systems

Pneumatics

Sensors

Actuators

Machine components

Prototyping

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to take ownership of sophisticated semi-automated manufacturing equipment projects, driving designs from initial concept through build, testing, and implementation.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop advanced mechanical systems and custom automation equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Manage engineering files and revisions within SolidWorks PDM.
• Select materials and source mechanical components to meet performance requirements.
• Participate actively in machine build, assembly, prototype development, and debugging.
• Work closely with controls, software, electrical, and process engineering teams.
• Ensure equipment designs are practical, reliable, and easy to manufacture and maintain.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute technical leadership across projects.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 5 years' experience in custom machinery, automation, or equipment design.
• Strong expertise in SolidWorks and mechanical system development.
• Proven experience with GD&T, manufacturing drawings, and design documentation.
• Knowledge of motion systems, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and machine components.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and prototype build experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Background

• Precision assembly equipment.
• Medical device or high-tech manufacturing environments.
• Mechanical integration of robotics, vision systems, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Benchtop automation and small-scale manufacturing machinery.

Opportunity to lead innovative machine design projects while remaining actively involved in hands-on engineering and equipment development.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.