What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Equipment Design Engineer position at Critical Fit Recruiting?
Sr. Equipment Design Engineer - Boston
DESCRIPTION:
We're looking for a Sr. Equipment Design Engineer to lead the design, build, and commissioning of specialized production equipment used to manufacture advanced materials. Candidate will be responsible for delivering highly automated, instrumented, and reliable custom machines that enable next-generation production capabilities. The role demands a seasoned engineer with a proven track record of taking complex machine builds from concept to production on tight schedules—balancing innovation, practicality, and attention to detail at every step.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, build and commission production-grade equipment to automate novel manufacturing processes for advanced materials.
- Integrate structure, safety systems, automation, HMI, sensing, data acquisition, SPC and health monitoring / alerting for precise manufacturing and high duty cycle operation.
- Starting from a problem statement, clarify and fully define requirements, develop a solution in collaboration with stakeholders; design, test and iterate to meet requirements, leading the project while drawing effectively on needed resources.
- Accurately estimate and regularly update timetables to ensure on-time delivery of new machine builds, and early resolution of timeline risks.
- Evaluate, select and validate subsystems and components, drawing on experience and industry best practice to maximize robustness and future expansion.
- Rapidly design and launch pilot-scale equipment for new process development.
- Successfully scale and transition from pilot-scale process equipment to increase MRL to LRIP and HVM.
- Respond to feedback and feature requests to improve workflow efficiency, quality and safety.
- Conspicuously exemplify high standards of safety, organization, communication and documentation.
- Mentor and oversee work of mechanical engineers and assembly technicians.
- Diagnose and resolve electrical and mechanical issues in assemblies and machinery. Collaborate with tech support and purchase necessary parts and equipment as needed.
- Operate machinery such as waterjets and mini-mills to fabricate parts as required for assemblies. Assist in general machining tasks as needed.
- Work effectively in a startup or small company setting. Embrace challenges, adapt to changes, and continuously seek to improve processes and methods.
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
- Proven ability to build, test, and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical assemblies, from concept to commissioning.
- Experience developing equipment for chemical, roll-to-roll, and continuous process manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency in PLC hardware selection, configuration, and programming, with working knowledge of automation and control system integration.
- Hands-on experience with wiring schematics, electrical enclosure design, and motion/robotics systems.
- Strong understanding of temperature and fluid control systems, including process gas, pneumatic, and hydraulic subsystems.
- Familiarity with power distribution, building infrastructure, and facility interface requirements for production equipment.
- Demonstrated commitment to design for maintainability, FOD-mitigation, and cleanroom compatibility.
- Working knowledge of 5S principles, design review processes, hazard analysis, and engineering controls to ensure safety and reliability.
- Awareness of human factors engineering to improve usability, safety, and operator efficiency.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a strong drive to refine designs and manufacturing processes for performance and reliability.
- Proficiency with CNC machining, hand tools, and power tools used for assembly, debugging, and fixture fabrication.