Senior Mechanical Engineer

CTS International; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CTS International is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop distribution transformers in Bellevue, Washington. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 15 years of relevant experience.

This role demands proficiency in engineering tools like AutoCAD and SolidEdge, as well as strong project-management skills. The engineer will ensure compliance with industry standards and serve as a key technical resource throughout the design and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in design engineering of electrical distribution equipment.
• Strong knowledge of distribution transformer design and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of electrical wiring principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical specifications for distribution transformers.
• Perform advanced mechanical calculations such as thermal performance analysis.
• Collaborate with design engineers and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools (CAD, FEA, simulation software)

Strong project-management skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidEdge

Job description

Overview

The Senior Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in the design and development of distribution transformers in accordance with IEEE, CSA, and customer specifications. This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles as they relate to structural and thermal requirements unique to transformer applications. The ideal candidate will provide advanced technical support, collaborate across departments, and lead efforts to improve product design, production, and testing to meet performance, cost, and reliability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development

• Design, develop, and review mechanical specifications for distribution transformers, ensuring compliance with customer and project requirements.
• Develop and review mechanical designs for transformer components including tanks, core‑coil frame assemblies, cooling systems, and lifting/handling features, including custom and non‑standard configurations.
• Perform advanced mechanical calculations, including structural strength for short‑circuit forces, thermal performance analysis, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Utilize engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidEdge, or proprietary transformer design tools) for mechanical modeling, analysis, and validation.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering analyses related to product performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Contribute to new product development and product‑improvement initiatives to maintain competitiveness of company products and solutions.

Standards and Compliance

• Ensure all mechanical designs meet applicable regulations, industry standards, and customer specifications.
• Remain current with evolving industry standards and represent the company on industrial committees and technical events as required.
• Support mechanical certification and testing requirements, including short‑circuit strength validation and thermal performance testing.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with design engineers and cross‑functional teams to validate mechanical and electrical design requirements.
• Participate in process‑improvement initiatives to enhance departmental efficiency and overall output quality.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams, including weld specifications, material selection, and fit‑up requirements.
• Support customers by responding to mechanical or application‑related technical inquiries.
• Provide technical expertise during prototype builds, production, and customer testing activities.
• Participate in pre‑order and post‑order design reviews to ensure technical compliance and mitigate risk.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in design engineering of electrical distribution equipment, preferably within a transformer manufacturing environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools (CAD, FEA, simulation software) as well as productivity and ERP systems.
• Strong knowledge of distribution transformer design, manufacturing processes, and applicable industry standards (ANSI, IEEE, IEC, CSA).
• Understanding of electrical wiring principles and related systems.
• Strong project‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and foster collaboration across departments and engineering disciplines.