Project Design Engineer

Kelly® Engineering is seeking a Project Design Engineer for a client specializing in custom industrial automation and robotics in Rochester Hills, MI. Bring your mechanical design and project coordination experience to customer-focused engineering work that helps manufacturers advance their production operations.

Overview

The client is part of a global industrial automation and robotics business that helps manufacturers improve production through custom-engineered automation systems, turnkey equipment, and digital factory solutions. Its North American team supports customers across regional and international markets.

The Project Design Engineer serves as the primary technical contact for customers and coordinates engineering work from application studies and concept development through design release and testing. The position combines project coordination with hands-on mechanical design, partnering with customers, project managers, internal engineering teams, and global design resources to deliver solutions that meet technical requirements and project schedules.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers, clarifying requirements and communicating engineering decisions and project updates.
• Lead application studies, concept and layout development, and design reviews with customers and internal engineering teams.
• Coordinate technical alignment and risk assessment meetings, and partner with project management to resolve issues and support successful delivery.
• Plan design releases and track design schedules, deliverables, open issues, and project milestones to support on-time customer submissions.
• Manage engineering data and process order change requests, maintaining alignment between customer needs and design documentation.
• Review concepts and designs prepared by global engineering teams and external design vendors for technical alignment and completeness.
• Design custom automation equipment from concept through final design using 3D CAD, including models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Coordinate mechanical designs with controls, simulation, safety, and other system requirements; develop integration concepts for compatible system operation.
• Perform engineering analyses, including throughput and stack-up analysis, and contribute to budgetary assessments for project solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans, evaluate system performance, and lead root-cause analysis and problem-solving when technical issues arise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years of design engineering and project coordination experience in industrial automation, capital equipment, or a closely related environment.
• Strong mechanical design background and proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software, including 3D modeling, assembly design, and drawing creation.
• Experience with engineer-to-order processes, custom equipment development, and mechanical, controls, and electrical interfaces in automation systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and design standards, including statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience communicating directly with customers.
• Ability to travel up to 30% and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment (US/Canada/Mexico)
• Preferred: Experience in a project management role.