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Role Summary

The senior mechanical engineer is the lead designer on the equipment development team. This person will independently design complicated semi-automated manufacturing equipment from concept through build and commissioning. They will own complete mechanical assemblies, work hands-on in the lab during prototyping and debug, and provide technical direction to junior engineers. This is not manufacturing engineering. This is custom machine design, comparable to what a senior engineer at an automation house like Isthmus or Aspec would do.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead mechanical design of complex semi-automated manufacturing equipment using SolidWorksManage designs within SolidWorks PDM, maintaining proper revision control and data managementProduce complete 2D mechanical drawings with full dimensioning, tolerancing, and GD&TPerform material selection and specify purchased components (bearings, actuators, pneumatics, sensors, linear motion, etc.)Design for manufacturability, ease of assembly, operator usability, and maintenance accessPerform hands-on prototyping, bench testing, equipment assembly, debug, and qualificationCollaborate with controls/software engineers to ensure mechanical designs integrate with electrical, PLC, vision, and robotics systemsWork alongside process engineers to understand process requirements and translate them into equipment designSupport equipment deployment to production lines in Shakopee and eventually Mexico

Required Skills & Experience5+ years of experience designing custom automation or semi-automated equipmentExpert-level SolidWorks proficiency (3D modeling, assemblies, complex mechanisms)SolidWorks PDM experience (file management, check-in/check-out, revision control)Strong 2D drawing skills with proper dimensioning, tolerancing, and GD&TMaterial selection knowledge (metals, plastics, coatings for precision equipment)Experience specifying and integrating purchased components into custom assembliesHands-on aptitude - must be comfortable building, assembling, and testing equipment in a lab settingExperience working in cross-functional teams alongside controls, electrical, and process engineers

Preferred ExperienceBackground in precision assembly equipment, fiber optics, medical device, or small form-factor product manufacturingExperience with benchtop or tabletop semi-automated equipment (not large-scale conveyance systems)Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and vision systems from the mechanical integration perspective

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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Job Title: Electrical Engineer Location: Chaska, MN Industry: Manufacturing / Automation / Fiber Optics

Detailed Job Description:

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to join a growing automation team responsible for designing and building custom manufacturing equipment in a high-volume fiber optics production environment. This role is focused on the electrical design, integration, and commissioning of custom automation systems used across global manufacturing operations.

You will be responsible for designing electrical systems for custom machines and tooling, collaborating closely with mechanical, software, and controls engineers to deliver fully integrated automation equipment. This position is based onsite in the southwest metro area of Minneapolis.

Key Responsibilities:

Design electrical systems and control panels for custom automation equipment used in fiber optics manufacturingDevelop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar toolsSelect and specify electrical components including motors, drives, sensors, relays, power supplies, and safety devicesCollaborate with mechanical, controls, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems into automation equipmentSupport PLC and HMI programming and integration alongside controls engineersParticipate in hands-on activities including wiring, panel builds, equipment debug, testing, and commissioningEnsure electrical designs comply with NEC, UL, NFPA 79, and other applicable safety and industry standardsDevelop and maintain electrical BOMs, documentation packages, and maintenance guidelinesTroubleshoot electrical issues on automation equipment during development, qualification, and productionSupport equipment deployment and commissioning at global manufacturing sitesParticipate in design reviews and provide input on electrical architecture for new automation projectsAnalyze equipment performance data and recommend improvements to electrical systemsTravel to production locations as needed (up to 15%)

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related engineering discipline3+ years of experience in electrical design for industrial automation or custom equipmentProficiency in electrical schematic design tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent)Experience selecting and specifying industrial electrical components (motors, VFDs, sensors, safety devices)Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systemsFamiliarity with NEC, UL, and NFPA 79 electrical safety standardsHands-on ability to wire, troubleshoot, and commission automation equipmentStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross-functional and global teamsAbility to travel up to 15%

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with servo systems, vision systems, and robotics integrationFamiliarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, IO-Link)Experience with machine safety design and safety PLCsBackground in fiber optics, precision manufacturing, or high-volume production environmentsExperience with SolidWorks Electrical or integrated electrical-mechanical design toolsFamiliarity with Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices

Key Skills:

Electrical Engineer, Electrical Design, Control Panel Design, Industrial Automation, EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, PLC, HMI, Motor Controls, VFD, Sensors, NEC, UL, NFPA 79, Equipment Commissioning, Fiber Optics, Manufacturing Engineering, Chaska MN

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer
Location: Shakopee, MN
Industry: Manufacturing / Automation / Fiber Optics

Detailed Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support the design and development of custom automation equipment used in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on improving quality, increasing capacity, and reducing manufacturing costs through innovative equipment and tooling solutions.

The right candidate will bring strong experience in custom machine design, automation equipment development, and cross-functional collaboration across mechanical, controls, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams. This position is based onsite in Shakopee, MN and will support both local and global manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design and development of custom automation equipment and tooling for manufacturing applicationsConduct feasibility studies, cost analysis, and risk assessments for new automation projectsDevelop machine concepts to improve product quality, reduce cycle time, and lower operating costSupport new equipment development through brainstorming, prototyping, bench testing, and feasibility trialsDesign mechanical systems with a focus on manufacturability, ease of assembly, maintainability, and operator usabilityWork closely with manufacturing teams to understand process constraints and identify automation opportunitiesCollaborate with controls, electrical, software, and production teams to integrate equipment into manufacturing operationsCreate complete engineering documentation packages including drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, and maintenance guidelinesSelect and specify commercial components such as actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and related automation hardwareParticipate in hands-on assembly, setup, calibration, testing, process development, and equipment qualificationLead design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineersManage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables from concept through commissioningAnalyze process and performance data using tools such as Excel or Minitab to support development and qualificationEnsure designs meet safety requirements, engineering standards, and company policiesTravel to manufacturing sites as needed to support project intake, development, installation, and deployment

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline8+ years of experience in automation engineering, mechanical engineering, or custom equipment designStrong proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD toolsProven background designing custom automated equipment for a manufacturing environmentExperience working with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systemsAbility to work directly with automation equipment during build, debug, testing, and qualificationStrong project ownership and ability to lead work from design through commissioningExcellent communication skills and ability to work across global, cross-functional teamsAbility to travel up to 15%

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with PTC CreoStrong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysisExperience in manufacturing operations or production engineeringFamiliarity with SolidWorks PDM or other CAD data management toolsExperience with new process development and equipment qualificationExposure to emerging technologies including AI-enabled engineering tools

Key Skills:

Senior Automation EngineerAutomation Equipment DesignCustom Machine DesignMechanical DesignManufacturing EngineeringSolidWorksPLCHMIIndustrial AutomationTooling DesignEquipment QualificationProcess ImprovementFiber OpticsShakopee, MN

Additional Information:

This is an onsite role based in Shakopee, MNCandidates should be comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environmentExperience supporting complex automated equipment in production settings is highly preferred

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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Manufacturing Engineer - Line Support
Shakopee, MN | Onsite

We are seeking a hands-on Contract Manufacturing Engineer - Line Support to support a pilot manufacturing line producing a new high-technology product in Shakopee, Minnesota. This is a fully onsite role focused on keeping the line running, stabilizing new equipment, troubleshooting production issues, and supporting a fast-moving pilot environment.

This engineer will be embedded directly on the production floor and will work closely with operators, technicians, line supervision, manufacturing engineering, quality, and maintenance. The right person will be comfortable in a high-change manufacturing setting where equipment, processes, and documentation are still evolving.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide daily hands-on support to operators and technicians on the production lineAct as the first engineering responder for equipment, process, and build issuesTroubleshoot manual fixtures, tooling, prototype automation, and process variationSupport line startups, changeovers, and downtime recoveryWork closely with manufacturing and automation engineering to debug, modify, and tune equipment during early productionIdentify root causes of equipment and process failures and help implement corrective actionsAssist with installation, checkout, and ramp-up of new or modified equipmentExecute engineering changes, process updates, and tooling improvements on the floorSupport pilot builds, validation activities, yield tracking, and defect trendingPartner with quality teams on non-conforming material, root cause investigations, and corrective actionsCreate and improve work instructions, process documentation, and troubleshooting guidesCapture lessons learned from the pilot line to support future deployment and scale-upHelp train operators and technicians on new equipment, updated processes, and quality expectations

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience will also be consideredExperience supporting production lines that use both manual and automated equipmentStrong hands-on troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environmentExperience working in prototype, pilot, NPI, or ramp-up settings with evolving processesAbility to communicate effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, and quality teamsStrong problem-solving and root cause analysis skillsWillingness to work onsite full time in Shakopee, MN

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting prototype or newly introduced automationBackground in high-tech, precision, or low-volume manufacturingFamiliarity with quality tools such as RCCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, SPC, PFMEA, or control plansExperience creating or improving work instructions and process documentationPrior experience supporting pilot line builds or new product introduction activities

This is a strong opportunity for a manufacturing engineer who enjoys being on the floor, solving problems in real time, and helping bring new manufacturing processes and equipment into a stable production state.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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