Mechanical Designer

ABOUT SAR AUTOMATION

SAR Automation LP is the US subsidiary of the SAR Group (SAR Elektronic GmbH, Germany), a leading company in automation and control systems with around 700 employees worldwide. From our facility in Greer, South Carolina, we work in two fields. In system integration we deliver controls, electrical design, installation, and commissioning of automation and material-handling systems for automotive OEMs and general manufacturing, and we provide technical training for plant maintenance teams. In machine building we design and build complete automation cells - robots, end-of-arm tooling, and upstream and downstream equipment for injection molding and plastics processing - from concept through factory acceptance, installation, and customer buy-off.

Our goal is to provide quality, elegant solutions that ensure the success of each of our customers. We offer the stability and long-term prospects of an international group together with the flat hierarchies, short decision paths, and personal responsibility of a 25-person team.

This position is part of our Plastics Automation division, which designs and builds robot cells, end-of-arm tooling, and upstream/downstream automation for injection molding and plastics processing.

THE ROLE

Designs automation cells, retrofits, and system reconfigurations: develops 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings for robot cells, end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, guarding, and auxiliary equipment, and creates and maintains the Bills of Materials that turn them into purchased and manufactured parts. Provides mechanical engineering support to internal teams and customers from concept through implementation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Design & Detailing

• Develop mechanical concepts and detailed 3D models of custom automation equipment, including robotic end-of-arm tooling, grippers, fixtures, frames, guarding, and auxiliary material-handling systems
• Produce detailed 2D manufacturing drawings with tolerances, surface finishes, welding symbols, and material callouts for machined, sheet-metal, welded, and purchased parts
• Modify and adapt existing library components for new or similar applications; maintain the SAR CAD library, drawing templates, and drawing standards
• Create mechanical designs in compliance with applicable machine-safety standards, and generate technical specifications to ensure compliance with SAR standards

Materials & Procurement Support

• Prepare and maintain complete Bills of Materials in the ERP system for production orders; create new material master records for custom components and update BOMs for delivered equipment
• Prepare drawing packages and quantities for purchasing and outside manufacturing (CNC, laser cutting, welding, coating); check supplier drawings and quotes for conformity
• Submit parts and equipment for procurement and purchasing activities
• Support project quoting with mechanical labor and material cost estimates

Project Support & General

• Participate in kickoff meetings, design reviews, factory acceptance tests, training sessions, and other project activities
• Create project documentation including layouts, assembly drawings, spare-parts lists, and wear-item details
• Assist production assembly and integration teams with drawing clarifications and with pre-assembly of new builds and retrofits prior to shipment
• Provide technical engineering support to internal teams across the organization and to external customers, interpreting and supplying technical information as required
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams by providing documentation, clarification, and technical guidance to keep project workflow efficient; record as-built deviations and correct the drawings
• Perform additional duties, special projects, and assignments as directed by management

WHAT YOU BRING

Education / Training

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, mechanical design, or drafting - or a completed apprenticeship or equivalent experience; a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is welcome but not required

Experience

• Minimum two years of related experience in robotics or automation - mechanical design or detailing of custom machinery, tooling, or fixtures; four or more years for the senior levels, with ownership of the mechanical concept
• Proficient in SolidWorks (part, assembly, drawing, sheet metal, weldments); experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office preferred
• Experience in mechanical design and custom machinery development preferred; robot end-of-arm tooling, pneumatics, and injection-molding downstream equipment a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sound knowledge of GD&T, machining and sheet-metal manufacturing methods, materials, fasteners, and standard mechanical components (linear guides, bearings, pneumatic cylinders)
• Knowledge of machine-safety requirements for guarding and access (ISO 13849 and ANSI B11 principles)
• Knowledge of robotic and automation cell design, including linear and articulated robots and upstream and downstream equipment in the plastics industry
• Strong communication skills with engineering, purchasing, and the shop floor; detail-oriented with accurate documentation and high quality standards

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel time per year: 5-10%
• Travel period: Up to 2 weeks per trip
• Travel to other countries is required
• A valid passport is required
• Valid driver's license required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role involves prolonged periods of sitting and computer work, including keyboarding for more than two hours at a time on a regular basis. There is occasional exposure to mechanical equipment with potential safety hazards on the shop floor and at customer sites; personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in those areas.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (after one year of service)
• 19 days paid time off, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays per year
• A secure position with long-term prospects in an international engineering group
• Flat hierarchies, short decision paths, and a high degree of personal responsibility
• Ongoing technical training and development

WORK AUTHORIZATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. SAR Automation LP does not sponsor employment visas for this position, now or in the future.

SAR Automation LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

AGENCIES

SAR Automation LP does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters. Any resume submitted to any employee of SAR Automation LP without a valid, signed search agreement in place becomes the property of SAR Automation LP, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted through the SAR careers portal only. Submit your resume at jobs.sar.biz.