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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: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Industry: Manufacturing / Automation / Mechanical Engineering

Detailed Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of custom automation equipment used in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role focuses heavily on mechanical system design, tolerance analysis, and delivering robust, production-ready equipment that improves quality, increases throughput, and reduces manufacturing cost.

This position is ideal for an experienced engineer with a strong background in mechanical design for automated machinery, who can take ownership of projects from concept through build, testing, and commissioning. The role is based onsite in Shakopee, MN and supports global manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the mechanical design of custom automation equipment and tooling for manufacturing applicationsDevelop innovative design solutions to improve product quality, reduce cycle time, and optimize equipment performanceConduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost evaluations for new equipment conceptsDesign mechanical systems with a strong focus on GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision engineeringCreate detailed 3D models, drawings, and complete design documentation packages (BOMs, assembly instructions, maintenance guides)Select and integrate mechanical components such as actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and motion systemsCollaborate with controls, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful system integrationSupport hands-on activities including assembly, setup, testing, calibration, and equipment qualificationEngage directly with manufacturing teams to understand process requirements and translate them into effective design solutionsLead and participate in design reviews, incorporating feedback from cross-functional and global stakeholdersManage projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are metAnalyze performance data and support continuous improvement efforts using tools such as Excel or MinitabMentor junior engineers and contribute to standardization of mechanical design practicesEnsure compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations, and best practices

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on automation equipment or machine designExpert-level proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD softwareStrong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysisProven experience designing custom automated equipment in a manufacturing environmentExperience working with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems in support of mechanical integrationStrong understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and reliabilityExcellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across global teamsAbility to travel up to 15%

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with PTC CreoBackground in manufacturing operations or production environmentsExperience with SolidWorks PDM or other CAD data management systemsExposure to new process development and equipment qualificationFamiliarity with emerging engineering tools and technologies

Key Skills:

Senior Mechanical EngineerMechanical DesignAutomation EquipmentMachine DesignGD&TTolerance AnalysisSolidWorksManufacturing EngineeringIndustrial AutomationTooling DesignEquipment DevelopmentProcess ImprovementFiber OpticsShakopee, MN

Additional Information:

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

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

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