Mechanical Design Engineering Lead

The Role

This position is intended for an experienced mechanical design engineer who wants to join our team in a working lead role—remaining deeply involved in hands-on design while also guiding the engineering team through execution.

As a Mechanical Design Engineering Lead, you will personally complete much of the conceptual and approval-level design for custom automated industrial finishing and cleaning equipment. Once designs are approved, you will work closely with the engineering team to assign, coordinate, and review detailed shop drawing work, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality.

You will also serve as the project owner for the engineering design portion of each project—setting priorities, managing schedules, resolving technical challenges, and coordinating with manufacturing and project management to keep work moving forward.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys doing the work, making the key decisions, and leading by example.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead the engineering design effort for custom automation projects from concept through release for manufacturing
• Personally develop approval drawings and layouts using SolidWorks
• Break approved designs into detailed scopes and assign shop drawing and detailing work to the engineering team
• Review and approve detailed drawings to ensure design intent, manufacturability, and quality standards are met
• Perform engineering calculations for system sizing and component selection
• Own the engineering design schedule and deliverables for assigned projects
• Act as the primary technical interface between engineering, manufacturing, project management, and customers
• Work closely with manufacturing during build to resolve design issues and ensure conformity to design intent
• Drive component standardization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support equipment installation and start-up as needed
• Maintain a hands-on presence—this is not a desk-only or purely managerial role

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Multiple years of mechanical design experience, preferably in custom equipment, automation, or capital equipment
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (AutoCAD experience a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and guide other engineers, formally or informally
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and practical design for fabrication
• Strong print-reading skills, including dimensions, tolerances, materials, and GD&T
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, PLCs, and robotics sufficient for effective cross-discipline collaboration
• Strong communication skills and comfort making technical decisions
• A hands-on, ownership-driven, continuous improvement mindset

Why This Role Is Different

• You stay hands-on with design, not removed from the work
• You lead by doing—setting technical direction through example
• You own approval-level design and drive projects through the engineering phase
• You influence how work is divided, executed, and improved
• You join a growing organization where engineering leadership is valued

The Opportunity

If you're a seasoned design engineer who wants to retain technical depth while expanding your leadership and project ownership, this role offers the best of both worlds.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90, $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Mechanical Engineering: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person