What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Design Engineer position at Realityworks?
Join the BirdBrain Technologies Team
Who We Are
BirdBrain Technologies is an innovative, 100% employee-owned company committed to revolutionizing education through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Based in Eau Claire, WI, we design creative tools that empower educators and inspire students to explore STEM concepts in meaningful, practical ways. Our collaborative culture of ownership means every employee shares in the company’s success and growth.
What We Do
Our mission is to make learning dynamic, accessible, and fun. We provide flexible, creative classroom tools that help educators bring abstract ideas to life and foster creativity and problem-solving in every student.
Why Join Us
At BirdBrain Technologies, your work matters—and so do you. As a 100% employee-owned company, your contributions directly influence our success, and you benefit from the rewards. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): 100% company-funded and grows with our success
- Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan: With company match up to 6%
- Generous Paid Time Off: Over 20 days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
- Wellness Programs: Gym reimbursement and healthy living incentives
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Tuition Assistance for Continued Education
- Paid Leave: Maternity, paternity, and adoption
- Charitable Giving Programs: Including paid volunteer time and donation matching
The expected compensation range for this position is $105,000 – 120,000 annually.
The Opportunity
- BirdBrain Technologies is searching for a Mechanical Design Engineer to help design and develop innovative and engaging STEM educational products for learners of all ages. In this role, you will manage the technical development of STEM products from concept through production for BirdBrain Technologies, Strawbees, and Tinkering Labs while transforming ideas into physical products that inspire creativity, build engineering skills, and withstand daily classroom and home use. You will focus on design, performance, cost, and quality by creating specs, managing prototypes/tooling, and solving technical issues. While collaborating with cross functional teams, you will bring high-quality, safe, and accessible learning tools to market that make students and teachers say “WOW!”
Key Responsibilities
- Mechanical Design & Development
- Lead mechanical design efforts for new STEM products, mechanisms, robotics kits, and classroom tools.
- Create mechanical architectures and design solutions prioritizing durability, safety, manufacturability, and user experience.
- Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation in accordance with company standards.
- Prototyping & Testing
- Build functional prototypes using 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, machining, and other rapid prototyping methods.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute product testing; analyze results to iterate and improve performance, reliability, and ease of use.
- Materials & Manufacturing
- Evaluate and propose materials and manufacturing processes with consideration for cost, quality, and schedule.
- Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to optimize designs for production and assembly.
- Drive RFQ and quoting process in partnership with Sourcing and Operations to achieve financial targets.
- Support tooling reviews, pilot builds, assembly line development, and root-cause investigations.
- Documentation & Compliance
- Create and maintain engineering documentation including BOMs, assembly instructions, and pack out documentation.
- Ensure designs comply with applicable global safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements for children’s products and consumer electronics.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Integrate feedback from team members, educators, students, and curriculum teams into design revisions.
- Collaborate with Product Management, Curriculum, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Marketing, and Operations teams throughout the product development process.
- Lead and participate in design reviews by presenting design intent, risk assessments, and alternative solutions.
- Provide mechanical design expertise to support lesson content, user guides, and educator resources.
- Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- 3–7 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in consumer products, toys, robotics, or educational products
- Experience supporting the full product lifecycle including concept development, prototyping, validation, DFM, and production
- Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software with SolidWorks preferred
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with children’s product safety standards and compliance requirements
- Experience working with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Knowledge of electro-mechanical integration with PCBs, sensors, servos, and motors
Work Location
- Working a hybrid schedule in Boston, MA, working a minimum of three days in office and other days can be worked from a home office.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional travel, typically less than 10%, as needed to support suppliers, manufacturing partners, or company meetings
Learn More
- Discover more about our mission and impact at www.birdbraintechnologies.com.
BirdBrain Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $105,000 - $120,000