Overview
On Site
Depends on Experience
Contract - W2
Skills
Product Design
Robotics
Machine Learning
Automation
Solidworks
automated machine design
full life cycle system design
Job Details
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for Automation Systems
Department: Engineering
Location: Plano, TX - Onsite
Role Type: Contract
About Our Client
Our client operates a cutting-edge innovation lab focused on developing automated solutions for the food service industry. Located within a major corporate headquarters in Plano, TX, they are dedicated to advancing automation technology that enhances efficiency, safety, and reliability in food preparation and processing environments. The company values hands-on innovation, practical design solutions, and the integration of mechanical systems with advanced control technologies.
Job Description
As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for Automation Systems, you will be responsible for the complete mechanical design lifecycle of automated machines and systems from concept to detailed design. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring you to work independently as the primary designer while also collaborating with control and electrical systems teams.
You will design complex automation systems incorporating steppers and servo motors, various sensors, motion systems, and robotics. Your work will focus on creating innovative solutions for food service automation, requiring expertise in machinery safety, ergonomic design, and compliance with food safety requirements.
This role combines high-level design leadership with hands-on prototyping and testing. You'll work in state-of-the-art labs, building and testing your designs while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across disciplines to deliver complete automation solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Required Experience/Skills
Nice-to-Haves
Education
Work Environment
Modern laboratory and design environment
Access to advanced prototyping and testing equipment
Collaborative workspace within corporate headquarters
Join Our Innovation Team!
If you're a seasoned mechanical design engineer with a passion for automation and hands-on innovation, we invite you to apply.
This role offers the opportunity to lead cutting-edge automation projects in a state-of-the-art facility while working on solutions that will shape the future of food service technology.
Keywords: Mechanical Design | Automation | SolidWorks | Machine Design | Robotics | Servo Motors | Motion Control | Food Safety | Prototyping | Plano TX | Lead Engineer | Automation Systems
Department: Engineering
Location: Plano, TX - Onsite
Role Type: Contract
About Our Client
Our client operates a cutting-edge innovation lab focused on developing automated solutions for the food service industry. Located within a major corporate headquarters in Plano, TX, they are dedicated to advancing automation technology that enhances efficiency, safety, and reliability in food preparation and processing environments. The company values hands-on innovation, practical design solutions, and the integration of mechanical systems with advanced control technologies.
Job Description
As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for Automation Systems, you will be responsible for the complete mechanical design lifecycle of automated machines and systems from concept to detailed design. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring you to work independently as the primary designer while also collaborating with control and electrical systems teams.
You will design complex automation systems incorporating steppers and servo motors, various sensors, motion systems, and robotics. Your work will focus on creating innovative solutions for food service automation, requiring expertise in machinery safety, ergonomic design, and compliance with food safety requirements.
This role combines high-level design leadership with hands-on prototyping and testing. You'll work in state-of-the-art labs, building and testing your designs while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across disciplines to deliver complete automation solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the complete mechanical design process from concept to detailed design of automated systems.
- Design automation systems incorporating steppers and servo motors, sensors, complex motion systems, and robotics.
- Calculate, estimate, and specify automation components for integration into designs.
- Develop automated sorting, pick and place, and material handling system designs.
- Integrate mechanical designs with control and electrical systems teams.
- Ensure designs comply with machinery safety requirements (ANSI/ISO) and food safety standards (FDA/NSF).
- Apply ergonomic design principles to create user-friendly automation solutions.
- Build, prototype, and test mechanical solutions in the lab environment.
- Create detailed technical drawings and documentation using SolidWorks.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and reliability.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on complex design challenges.
- Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise for project planning.
Required Experience/Skills
- 10+ years of experience in automated machine design.
- Minimum 5+ years as the lead, sole, or primary designer on automation projects.
- Ability to design complete systems independently from concept to detailed implementation.
- Strong automation design experience including steppers and servo motors, sensors, complex motion systems, and robotics.
- Ability to calculate, estimate, and specify automation components for design integration.
- Experience integrating mechanical designs with control and electrical systems.
- Knowledge of machinery safety and ergonomic design principles.
- Hands-on experience with building, prototyping, and testing mechanical solutions.
- Minimum 5+ years of SolidWorks experience.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Nice-to-Haves
- Automated sorting or pick and place system design experience.
- Experience with design compliance with FDA/NSF (food safety requirements).
- Experience with ANSI/ISO (machinery safety requirements) compliance.
- Food/Kitchen Equipment or Food Processing Equipment design experience.
- Experience with robotics integration and programming.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and design for manufacturability principles.
- Project management experience in automation projects.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- Advanced degree preferred.
Work Environment
Modern laboratory and design environment
Access to advanced prototyping and testing equipment
Collaborative workspace within corporate headquarters
Join Our Innovation Team!
If you're a seasoned mechanical design engineer with a passion for automation and hands-on innovation, we invite you to apply.
This role offers the opportunity to lead cutting-edge automation projects in a state-of-the-art facility while working on solutions that will shape the future of food service technology.
Keywords: Mechanical Design | Automation | SolidWorks | Machine Design | Robotics | Servo Motors | Motion Control | Food Safety | Prototyping | Plano TX | Lead Engineer | Automation Systems
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