Mechanical Engineer

You will own the customer quoting process, production planning, and design for manufacturability (DFM) consultation for projects spanning additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and assembly. Provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to optimize parts for additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly.

Kforce has an enterprise client seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Seattle, WA. Summary: The Mechanical Engineer will serve as the technical bridge between customers and manufacturing operations across all our manufacturing capabilities. You will own the customer quoting process, production planning, and design for manufacturability (DFM) consultation for projects spanning additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and assembly. This role requires broad technical knowledge of multiple manufacturing processes and the ability to translate customer requirements into executable production plans. Key Responsibilities: Customer Engagement and Quoting:

• Review customer requirements and technical drawings to assess project feasibility across all manufacturing modalities
• Generate accurate quotes including material costs, labor estimates, and lead times for complex multi-process projects
• Provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to optimize parts for additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly
• Recommend optimal manufacturing processes based on part geometry, tolerances, materials, cost, and lead time requirements
• Collaborate with customers to refine designs and specifications
• Support Customer Success team with technical expertise during customer interactions

Production Planning and Scheduling:

• Prepare manufacturing files including 3D printing build prep, CNC programming coordination, and sheet metal nesting
• Plan and schedule jobs across multiple manufacturing processes to optimize throughput and meet delivery commitments
• Conduct capacity planning to balance customer demand with available manufacturing resources across all departments
• Estimate labor requirements for machining, printing, welding, fabrication, coating, post-processing, and assembly operations
• Coordinate with CNC programming team to manage programming capacity and lead times

Requirements:

• Manufacturing experience with exposure to multiple processes
• Strong knowledge of at least two manufacturing modalities (additive manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, or assembly)
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software and manufacturing preparation tools
• Strong analytical skills for cost estimation and capacity planning
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T

Preferred:

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience across multiple modalities (3D printing, CNC machining, welding, sheet metal, coating, assembly)
• Experience in contract manufacturing or customer-facing technical roles
• Project management experience with multiple concurrent projects
• Familiarity with design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) principles
• Knowledge of CNC programming and CAM software (Mastercam, ESPRIT, or similar)
• Understanding of welding processes, sheet metal fabrication techniques, and surface finishing
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for customer interactions

Success Profile:

• Customer-focused with strong service orientation
• High attention to detail with commitment to accuracy in quoting and planning
• Strong technical problem-solving skills with practical, cross-functional approach
• Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with competing priorities
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work across multiple manufacturing teams
• Self-starter with bias for action and ownership mentality
• Adaptable with ability to learn new manufacturing technologies and processes