Precision Design Engineer

Role Purpose

The Precision Machine Design Engineer will support the development of precision machine systems and components for applications ranging from proof-of-concept prototypes to plant-floor manufacturing equipment. Working with guidance from senior engineers, this role will contribute to concept development, detailed mechanical design, drawing creation, tolerance analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and implementation.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced engineers, researchers, manufacturing teams, skilled trades, and external suppliers to develop practical machine solutions for technical applications. The position provides structured opportunities to build technical capability in precision engineering principles, machine design, metrology, design documentation, and system integration while taking on increasing responsibility as experience grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for research, development, and manufacturing applications.
• Translate defined product and process needs into mechanical requirements, design concepts, layouts, models, and drawings with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, detailed drawings, bills of material, and supporting design documentation in accordance with established standards.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and tolerance analyses involving fits, stack-ups, loads, deflection, stiffness, thermal effects, motion, and component sizing.
• Select and specify standard mechanical components such as bearings, linear guides, ball screws, motors, couplings, sensors, fasteners, and structural elements with appropriate technical review.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback related to safety, manufacturability, assembly, cost, reliability, maintainability, and machine performance.
• Develop and test proof-of-concept prototypes using internal laboratory, machine-shop, and measurement resources.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal trades personnel to obtain parts, resolve fabrication questions, and support assembly and installation activities.
• Assist with machine setup, debugging, qualification, and implementation in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Execute defined test plans, collect and organize data, compare results with requirements, and document findings.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of mechanical and system-level issues, escalating complex concerns when appropriate.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical results clearly to project team members and maintain accurate engineering records.

Travel Requirements

• Estimated travel: 10%–25%, depending on project needs.
• Travel may be required for equipment installation, startup support, supplier visits, and interaction with internal customers.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Entry-level to 2 years of relevant engineering experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, manufacturing engineering, or a related area; relevant co-op, internship, research, or project experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic projects, internships, co-op assignments, research, or professional work.

Required Skills

• Foundational experience designing mechanical components, fixtures, tooling, or equipment through academic, internship, co-op, research, or professional work.
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, materials, machine elements, manufacturing processes, fits, tolerances, and basic measurement principles.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings and apply dimensioning and tolerancing practices.
• Experience using CAD software; experience with SolidWorks and Vault is preferred.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, organize technical information, and use data to support design decisions.
• Ability to learn new tools and technical concepts, seek guidance when needed, and incorporate feedback into design work.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Internship, co-op, research, senior-design, or professional experience involving machine design, automation equipment, precision mechanisms, tooling, or fixturing.
• Exposure to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance stack-ups, design for manufacturability and assembly, or finite element analysis.
• Exposure to precision measurement tools such as laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, precision levels, indicators, or coordinate measurement systems.
• Familiarity with motion components, motors, encoders, sensors, instrumentation, data-acquisition systems, or LabVIEW-based measurement setups.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, laboratory testing, fabrication, machine assembly, or equipment debugging.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a hands-on development environment with changing priorities and evolving technical requirements.