Mechanical Engineer / Product Design Engineer
North Reading MA
Full Time
Job Description
This role offers an opportunity for a self-motivated Mechanical Engineer to work as a Product Design Engineer and lead the development of innovative, camera- and sensor-focused products from concept through prototype. You will create cutting-edge mechanical designs that integrate cameras, sensors, and supporting hardware, with particular emphasis on thermal management, optics considerations, and robust electromechanical assemblies. In this fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive projects independently, and ensure that every design meets demanding performance, quality, and manufacturability standards.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop innovative mechanical products from initial concept through prototype, with a focus on camera-focused and sensor-focused solutions.
- Create detailed 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks, including complex sheet metal parts, weldments, and larger mechanical stations or electromechanical equipment.
- Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into cohesive product designs by collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Develop, document, and manage mechanical design requirements to ensure products meet or exceed performance, reliability, and quality targets.
- Perform thermal simulations and analyses to address thermal management challenges in camera and sensor systems.
- Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T principles to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of components and assemblies.
- Create clear, accurate, and detailed manufacturing drawings that support efficient fabrication and assembly processes.
- Plan and execute testing activities to validate design assumptions, including root cause analysis and systematic problem-solving when issues arise.
- Lead hands-on prototyping and iterative design cycles, refining concepts based on test results, user feedback, and manufacturing input.
- Work directly with fabrication and manufacturing teams, as well as external vendors, to address practical fabrication constraints and optimize designs for production.
- Troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, assembly, and integration, providing timely solutions and design updates as needed.
- Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles throughout the product development process.
- Drive projects forward independently with minimal supervision, managing priorities and deliverables to meet schedule and quality expectations.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of mid-career experience in mechanical product design, preferably with a focus on camera and sensor-based systems.
- Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design background, including experience with larger mechanical stations, equipment, or electromechanical assemblies.
- High proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling, assembly design, and detailed drawing creation.
- Proficiency with Ansys or similar tools for thermal simulations and related engineering analysis.
- Strong sheet metal design experience, including forming, bending, and joining considerations.
- Proven experience in weldment and welded assembly design for robust mechanical structures.
- Strong skills in creating detailed manufacturing drawings that clearly communicate specifications and tolerances.
- Advanced knowledge of GD&T and the ability to perform comprehensive tolerance stack-up analyses.
- Hands-on prototyping experience and comfort with iterative design cycles.
- Solid understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), including practical fabrication and production constraints.
- Experience working directly with fabrication and manufacturing teams, as well as vendors, to support production and resolve issues.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, assembly, and integration and implement effective corrective actions.
- Experience with testing, structured problem-solving, and root cause analysis in a product development environment.
- strong sheet metal design experience
- Top priority: weldment / welded assembly design experience
- Experience designing larger mechanical stations, equipment, or electromechanical assemblies
- Strong 3D CAD/modeling skills
- Experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings
- Strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
- Hands-on prototyping and iterative design experience
- Good understanding of DFM/DFA and practical fabrication constraints
- Experience working directly with fabrication/manufacturing teams and vendors
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, assembly, and integration
- Prefer candidates who can clearly describe sheet metal and welded structures they personally designed, not just list those skills on the resume
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in product design specifically for camera-focused and sensor-focused solutions.
- Familiarity with optics design principles and machine vision systems.
- Strong understanding of production design principles and lifecycle considerations from prototype to full-scale manufacturing.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing multiple priorities.
- Clear communication skills for documenting requirements, presenting design decisions, and coordinating with engineering and manufacturing stakeholders.