Mechanical Designer

The Opportunity

As this industry-leader’s new Mechanical Designer, you will be crucial in supporting the engineering department in designing, drawing, processing, and estimating jobs. To be successful in this important position, you will have sheet metal and metal fabrication experience, a background in mechanical engineering with up to 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or fabrication company, and proficiency in SolidWorks.

Position Description

Design and Drawing

• Utilize SolidWorks to create detailed designs and drawings for welded assemblies, laser cutting, forming, and assembly processes.
• Create sheet metal CAD models per customer specifications.
• Analyze designs for manufacturability considering shop limitations.
• Ensure all designs meet company standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Accurately estimate job costs and timescales.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to optimize part designs for cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and ease of manufacture.
• Recommend alternative materials, modify part geometry, or simplify assembly processes as needed.

Production Responsibilities

• Convert designs into work orders, ensuring a seamless transition from design to production.
• Generate drawings and CAD packages for release to production.
• Design welding and assembly fixtures to minimize process times.
• Work with shop leads, supervisors, and quality control to ensure the final product meets manufacturability and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Manager in production and capacity planning to optimize workflows and resources.

Customer Focus

• Engage directly with customers to understand their requirements and ensure satisfaction with the final product.
• Ensure a positive customer experience by delivering high-quality designs and responsive support.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate complex manufacturing and design ideas to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing, welding, laser cutting, and assembly teams to ensure designs are feasible and optimized for production.
• Provide support and guidance on engineering-related issues.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills for clear and effective information exchange.

Estimating

• Develop accurate and detailed job estimates, considering material costs, labor, and production time.
• Provide clear and concise cost estimates to customers, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
• Utilize the ERP system to streamline the estimation process and ensure consistency.
  Continuous Improvement
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and manufacturing processes.
• Identify areas for improvement and suggest actionable solutions to optimize design and production workflows.

Documentation

• Prepare image-driven reports for customer approvals.
• Maintain ISO documentation for project tracking.
• Communicate manufacturing process possibilities and limitations to various stakeholders.
• Prepare work instructions for team members.
• Collaborate in training sessions to acquire new skills in manufacturing processes and software.

Experience

• Sheet metal and metal fabrication experience is a must.
• 5 years of mechanical or industrial design engineering experience.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with SolidWorks 3D CAD, particularly sheet metal features, material properties, drawings, and renderings.
• Extensive experience generating drawings and CAD packages for production release.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with DraftSight and/or AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of metal fabrication processes, equipment, and manufacturing workflows, specifically bending/forming, laser cutting, and welding.
• Extensive experience generating drawings and CAD packages for production release.
• Proficiency with welding symbols, blueprints, shop drawings, and measurement tools.
• Analytical approach to problem-solving and ability to develop creative technical solutions.
• Understanding of DFA/DFM methodologies (Design for Assembly & Manufacturability).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Sound understanding of BOM structures and process routings in an ERP environment.
• Positive attitude and adherence to core values.

Education

University or College degree/diploma in Mechanical Engineering combined with formal technical training and work experience of 1-5 years in design.