Senior Mechanical Engineer- Gearbox Design

At Janicki Industries, we turn complex ideas into real-world solutions through advanced engineering and manufacturing. Our teams design and build innovative structures, tooling, and systems that support industries including aerospace, space, defense, marine, and architecture.

Across every role—from engineers and technicians to operations and support teams—our people help solve challenging problems, push the limits of design and manufacturing, and create solutions that make a lasting impact.

This position is located in Sedro Woolley, Washington State.

Department Summary:

We are looking for a  Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop gearboxes and power transmission systems used in industrial equipment and heavy machinery. This role will directly support our machine build efforts as we expand our capabilities and locations. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in gear theory, mechanical design, and structural analysis, and enjoys taking a product from concept through manufacturing and test validation

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Design gearboxes and related drivetrain components (gears, shafts, bearings, housings) to meet performance, durability, cost, and schedule targets
• Perform gear design calculations (bending, contact stress, scoring) per AGMA/ISO/DIN standards
• Size and select bearings, seals, and lubrication systems for reliable operation
• Own designs from concept through detailed design, prototyping, manufacturing support, and test validation
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and GD&T specifications using CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or similar)
• Run structural, thermal, and vibration analysis (FEA) to validate designs
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and test teams to resolve design and production issues
• Support prototype builds, testing, and root-cause failure analysis
• Prepare design calculations, technical reports, and documentation for design reviews
• Ensure designs meet applicable industry standards and customer specifications
• Work with suppliers on castings, forgings, and purchased components
• Mentor junior engineers and help establish design standards and best practices as the team scales
• Must work well under pressure, meeting and completing multiple deadlines.
• Must be at work on time and maintain good attendance. This is a condition of employment and is an essential function of the job
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred)
• 5+ years of experience designing gearboxes or power transmission equipment
• Strong knowledge of gear theory, AGMA/ISO gear rating standards, and lubrication principles
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software and gear design/analysis tools (e.g., KISSsoft, MASTA, Romax, or similar)
• Experience with FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar) for structural and thermal analysis
• Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and manufacturing processes (gear cutting, grinding, heat treatment)
• Familiarity with bearing selection and shaft design principles
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience with large industrial gearboxes (wind, mining, marine, or oil & gas applications)
• Knowledge of noise/vibration (NVH) analysis for gear systems
• Experience with project management and customer-facing technical roles
• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations applicants must be a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a)(3)
• This position may require the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements may require participation in a Continuous Evaluation program

Detailed Wage Information:

Wage range for this role is between $130,000 – $170,000 plus a discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees may also receive additional pay for off-shifts, off-site work, and access pay. The range provided represents Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role The actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors including experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as life and AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays including two floating holidays
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off-shifts
• Premium pay for security clearance if applicable

Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply! We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people!

By applying for this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings.

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer.

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (360) 404-1997.

As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.