Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

NextPlay Jobs | Grand Rapids Area, Michigan | On-site

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a growing engineering and manufacturing organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is an opportunity for an experienced mechanical design professional to take ownership of complex equipment and machinery projects, lead design efforts from concept through production, and contribute to the continued development of custom-engineered industrial solutions.

The ideal candidate brings strong 3D CAD capabilities, hands-on mechanical design experience, and the ability to turn customer requirements into practical, manufacturable designs. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and customers while helping drive technical innovation, product performance, and continuous improvement.

For an engineer looking to take on greater technical responsibility, influence design decisions, and see projects through to completion, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of complex industrial equipment, machinery, components, and assemblies.
• Take ownership of projects from initial concept and customer requirements through detailed design, manufacturing, assembly, and implementation.
• Develop 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, layouts, bills of materials, and manufacturing documentation using CAD software.
• Establish design approaches and make technical decisions related to mechanical systems, materials, components, and overall equipment functionality.
• Review and improve existing designs to enhance performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and project management teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Work directly with customers and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve technical challenges, and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, and design evaluations to validate functionality and performance.
• Ensure designs account for manufacturing processes, assembly requirements, maintenance accessibility, and long-term equipment reliability.
• Support prototype development, equipment testing, design validation, and production implementation.
• Troubleshoot complex design and manufacturing issues and lead the development of corrective actions.
• Conduct design reviews, evaluate proposed solutions, and provide technical guidance to other engineers and designers.
• Help establish and improve engineering standards, CAD practices, documentation procedures, and design processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing products, reduce costs, and increase engineering efficiency.
• Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining quality, accuracy, and delivery timelines.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5 years of mechanical design engineering experience, preferably in an industrial equipment or manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software and mechanical design principles.
• Demonstrated experience designing complex mechanical equipment, machinery, or assemblies.
• Ability to take ownership of engineering projects from concept through manufacturing and production.
• Strong understanding of mechanical components, materials, tolerances, fabrication, machining, and assembly processes.
• Experience creating and interpreting detailed engineering drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot design challenges and make sound technical decisions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality engineering work on schedule.

Preferred

• Experience with SolidWorks or a comparable 3D CAD platform.
• Background in industrial machinery, custom equipment, material handling, or bulk material processing systems.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, mechanical drives, or integrated equipment assemblies.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Experience with sheet metal, structural steel, machining, welding, and fabricated components.
• Experience leading design reviews, mentoring junior engineers, or providing technical direction to a design team.
• Experience working directly with customers on custom-engineered equipment or application-specific solutions.
• Familiarity with applicable engineering standards, safety requirements, and quality practices.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $90,000–$120,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Competitive compensation for candidates bringing substantial senior-level design expertise.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, technical leadership, and career advancement.