What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Engineer position at VanderHouwen?
Status: 6-Month Contract (possible contract-to-hire)
Position: Design Engineer
Salary: $70 - $80/hr
Location: 100% On-site in Salem, OR
About the company:
We are a manufacturer of specialized equipment for road construction and maintenance, focused on reliable machines that place, pave, and handle materials with precision. Our products support contractors and public agencies on projects ranging from neighborhood resurfacing to heavy civil work, delivering consistent results in demanding field conditions.
Our capabilities include design, fabrication, assembly, and parts support for asphalt placement, material transfer, and related jobsite solutions. Teams of engineers, technicians, and service specialists work closely with customers to configure equipment, improve productivity, and keep fleets running through responsive parts availability and technical support.
Guided by safety, durability, and continuous improvement, we build equipment that is straightforward to operate, simple to maintain, and ready to perform season after season. Our mission is to help crews finish quality work on time and on budget.
Design Engineer:
Our client is seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of customized industrial machinery for food production environments. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, along with a hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes. This is an exciting opportunity to support a growing company known for its innovative, customer-driven engineering solutions.
This role is onsite in Salem, Oregon.
Design Engineer Responsibilities:
- Design and develop custom material handling and food processing equipment using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
- Collaborate closely with project engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers to translate specifications into efficient, manufacturable designs.
- Create and revise detailed 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings to support fabrication and installation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, equipment reliability, and cost reduction.
- Support prototype testing, troubleshooting, and refinement of machinery prior to final production.
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and adherence to timelines.
- Ensure all designs comply with applicable safety, quality, and sanitation standards for food manufacturing environments.
Design Engineer Qualifications:
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD is required.
- 5 years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or industrial equipment setting.
- Proven experience developing custom machinery or material handling systems.
- Strong understanding of fabrication methods, assembly processes, and mechanical component selection.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative engineering team.
- Food processing or packaging equipment experience is a plus.
Salary : $70 - $80
