Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Mechanical Product Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $95,000 per year (higher compensation available based on experience)

About the Role

We are hiring a Mechanical Product Design Engineer to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of heavy mechanical equipment used in industrial lifting, maintenance, and emergency response applications.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking products from concept through production while collaborating with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and field personnel to deliver reliable, high-quality equipment.

Schedule

• 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
• On-site in Chesterfield, VA
• Approximately 10% travel for inspections, manufacturing support, vendor visits, customer locations, and field activities
• Occasional after-hours support may be required during emergency situations

What You'll Do

Product Design

• Design new mechanical equipment and improve existing products.
• Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or comparable parametric CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations and reverse engineering when needed.
• Validate designs through Finite Element Analysis (FEA), prototype evaluations, testing, and field verification.
• Develop solutions that improve equipment performance, safety, serviceability, manufacturability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, calculations, and design records.
• Ensure designs comply with engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.

Project Execution

• Support projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, commissioning, implementation, and ongoing product support.
• Assist with equipment rebuilds, upgrades, inspections, repair planning, and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams, operations, suppliers, and leadership to help keep projects on schedule.
• Provide technical support for production, field service, inspections, and customer-related engineering issues.
• Verify products are built according to engineering specifications and quality expectations.

Continuous Improvement

• Solve technical challenges using sound engineering principles.
• Participate in product standardization and quality improvement efforts.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers.
• Manage multiple assignments while adapting to changing priorities.
• Stay informed on current engineering methods, equipment technologies, and applicable industry standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD software.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the ability to validate analysis using engineering calculations.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing methods, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
• Strong project and time management skills.
• Commitment to engineering quality and workplace safety.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
• CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
• Experience designing heavy equipment, industrial machinery, mobile equipment, or cranes.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Experience supporting products throughout manufacturing, testing, and field deployment.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or equivalent

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb on equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial environments.
• Willingness to work extended hours or provide emergency support when business needs require.