Machine Design Engineer

Build High-Precision Machinery That Drives Manufacturing Excellence

Our client is seeking an experienced Machine Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced machines from concept through production and field support. This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges, collaborating across disciplines, and seeing innovative designs come to life. You'll play a key role in developing high-performance, precision machinery while mentoring engineers, driving continuous improvement, and delivering custom solutions that meet demanding customer requirements.

If you're passionate about machine design, precision engineering, and creating equipment that performs in real-world manufacturing environments, this is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of high-precision CNC grinding machines from concept through final implementation.
• Design critical machine components including spindles, structural frames, linear motion systems, bearings, dressers, and precision assemblies.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, manufacturing drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering analysis and basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate component performance, durability, and structural integrity.
• Improve machine performance through innovative solutions focused on thermal stability, vibration reduction, accuracy, reliability, and tool life.
• Oversee prototype development, machine assembly, testing, and design refinement based on performance results.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, applications, manufacturing, purchasing, service, vendors, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Conduct design reviews and communicate technical concepts clearly with engineering team members.
• Mentor junior engineers by reviewing designs, providing technical guidance, and supporting professional development.
• Support project planning by helping establish schedules, milestones, and engineering deliverables.
• Provide technical support during machine assembly, commissioning, installation, and field troubleshooting when required.
• Assist service teams with diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical issues in the field.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, manufacturability, and engineering efficiency.
• Travel periodically to customer sites and vendor locations as project needs require.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required; Master's degree preferred.
• Equivalent industry experience (16+ years) may be considered in place of a degree.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience involving industrial machinery, capital equipment, or precision manufacturing equipment.
• Strong experience designing CNC grinding machines or similar high-precision automated machinery.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, and BOM creation.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D.
• Experience performing basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA); advanced FEA experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, machine design principles, and engineering fundamentals.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing CNC machine tools or other precision manufacturing equipment.
• Background in machine tool applications, grinding processes, or precision machining.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, testing, commissioning, and field service.
• Previous mentoring or technical leadership experience.
• Familiarity with cross-functional engineering environments involving electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams.
• Continuous improvement or process optimization experience.
• Customer-facing engineering experience supporting technical discussions and project execution.

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Machine Design Engineer
• Senior Machine Design Engineer
• Capital Equipment Design Engineer
• CNC Machine Design Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering Project Engineer