What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Designer & Lead Builder position at Behlen Mfg Co.?
Position Summary
The Mechanical Designer / Detailer & Lead Builder serves as the critical bridge between engineering design and manufacturing execution. Working closely with the Chief of Engineering, this position transforms machine concepts, design intent, and engineering requirements into detailed SolidWorks models, manufacturing drawings, bills of material, supplier packages, and production-ready documentation.
The role is responsible for ensuring designs can be successfully manufactured, assembled, tested, and commissioned. The position provides hands-on leadership throughout machine builds and serves as the primary interface between engineering, suppliers, fabrication partners, machine shops, purchasing, and assembly personnel.
Primary Responsibilities
- Translate machine concepts, layouts, and engineering requirements into detailed manufacturing documentation.
- Develop and maintain complete 3D SolidWorks models and assemblies.
- Create machining prints, fabrication drawings, weldment drawings, and assembly documentation.
- Generate and maintain complete Bills of Material (BOMs).
- Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.
- Maintain drawing revisions, engineering change notices, and configuration control.
- Develop supplier manufacturing packages and technical specifications.
- Review supplier drawings and provide technical clarification.
- Support sourcing and supplier selection activities.
- Coordinate with machine shops and fabrication vendors to ensure design intent is achieved.
- Lead mechanical assembly from subassembly through final machine integration.
- Develop assembly instructions and build procedures.
- Troubleshoot fit-up, tolerance, and assembly issues.
- Support startup, commissioning, FAT, and customer demonstrations.
- Support field service and installation teams when required.
- Drive standardization, modularization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support quality initiatives and root-cause corrective actions.
- Assist with project planning and execution activities.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in mechanical design, machine detailing, machine building, industrial equipment manufacturing, or related field.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks including assemblies, weldments, and manufacturing drawings.
- Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience creating production drawings and BOMs.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant mechanical design, machinery design, or industrial equipment experience.
- Candidates with an Associate Degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline may be considered with proven commensurate experience.
- Experience with custom machinery, automation systems, capacitor manufacturing equipment, converting equipment, or industrial machinery.
- Knowledge of GD&T.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and engineering change management.
Core Competencies
- Mechanical Design Excellence
- Manufacturing & Assembly Knowledge
- Supplier Collaboration
- Project Ownership
- Continuous Improvement
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Technical Communication
- Attention to Detail
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and inspect equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to travel through manufacturing facilities and customer sites safely.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel (up to 15%) for supplier visits, machine installations, customer support, and FAT activities.
Performance Expectations
- Accurate and timely release of manufacturing drawings.
- Support on-time machine build completion.
- Minimize design-related manufacturing issues.
- Improve standardization and design reuse.
- Support successful FAT execution and customer acceptance.