Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop custom material handling and conveyor systems for automotive manufacturing facilities. In this role, you will play a key part in engineering conveyor equipment, transfer systems, lifts, carriers, and automated mechanisms that move parts throughout the manufacturing process. You will combine hands-on mechanical design expertise with a solid engineering foundation to perform calculations, equipment sizing, component selection, and analysis for complex automation and material handling solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design custom conveyor and material handling systems using Autodesk Inventor to meet customer and project requirements.
• Develop accurate 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, and detailed manufacturing documentation for production and installation.
• Design and engineer conveyor systems, lift stations, transfer mechanisms, carriers, and automated equipment used in automotive manufacturing environments.
• Perform engineering calculations related to structural integrity, load capacities, drive systems, and overall equipment performance.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs, ensure structural soundness, and optimize performance and reliability.
• Size and select motors, gearboxes, bearings, actuators, and other mechanical components appropriate for the application and operating conditions.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customers throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution.
• Support equipment installation and commissioning by providing design clarification and addressing technical issues as needed.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and design-related problems in the field and propose effective engineering solutions.
• Ensure all designs comply with customer specifications, safety requirements, and applicable engineering standards and best practices.
• Participate actively in design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Proven mechanical design experience with custom machine design, conveyor systems, industrial automation equipment, or material handling systems.
• Hands-on proficiency with Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings, or strong experience with SolidWorks and willingness to learn Inventor.
• Strong mechanical engineering foundation, including the ability to perform engineering calculations for structural integrity, load capacities, and drive systems.
• Experience conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize mechanical designs.
• Demonstrated ability to size and select motors, gearboxes, bearings, actuators, and other mechanical components for automation and material handling applications.
• Ability to design and engineer conveyor equipment, lift stations, transfer mechanisms, carriers, and automated mechanisms used in manufacturing environments.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with project managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of mechanical and automation equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or at least 15 years of experience in mechanical design engineering in automation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automation equipment including robotics, conveyors, and other industrial automation systems.
• Machine design for manufacturing and material handling applications.
• Mechanical engineering education with exposure to industrial automation and equipment design.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce clear, complete fabrication and manufacturing documentation.
• Comfort working within a large engineering team and participating in design reviews and continuous improvement activities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new design tools and technologies, including transitioning from SolidWorks to Inventor if needed.
• Interest in long-term career growth into a permanent engineering role within a growing design team.

Work Environment

The role is based at a large, modern headquarters facility in Novi, MI, within a sizable engineering team that currently includes around 15 design engineers and is expected to grow with upcoming projects. You will work primarily on site for the first 3 to 6 months to gain familiarity with the equipment, processes, and team, after which the position can transition to a hybrid schedule