Mechanical Project Engineer

As part of the Project Engineering group, the Mechanical Project Engineer reports to the Project Mechanical Engineering Team Leader. The Mechanical Project Engineer executes the assigned Mechanical Engineering tasks supporting the implementation of automated machining systems, integrating Makino machining centers with part delivery systems and other ancillary equipment supporting the machining process. The Mechanical Project Engineer is able to execute the assigned tasks without much involvement with the group’s leadership. The automated systems utilize various automation products including 6-axis robots (fixed pedestal, floortrack mount, and toploader), vision systems, marking systems, conveyors, etc. to automate the flow of material through Makino machining cells.

Include the following.

• Perform robot reach studies to confirm placement of machines and equipment for system layout.
• Complete mechanical analysis including: dimensional tolerance stack up analysis, basic understanding to calculate stress, deflection, and moments.
• Support fabrication and assembly of projects as required while being responsible for quality, detail, and clarity of prints.
• Provide guidance to Automation Support Engineers for the assembly of mechanical designs.
• Effectively communicates problems/issues with other engineers within the Project Engineering group and 3 rd party/contract engineering resources to collaborate on solutions to ensure all technical issues are resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Troubleshoot technical issues reported from the field and provide robust solutions.
• Participate in risk assessments of automation equipment.
• Collaborate with contractors and other engineers assigned to projects.
• Visit suppliers and customers as required to check on the progress and resolve issues with the manufacture of parts and installation of the automated systems.
• Participate in Project Meetings regularly scheduled by the Project Manager.
• Complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Provide recommendations for improvements to Mechanical Engineering tasks to improve efficiency and/or reduce costs.
• Provide technical advice and support to the Mechanical Engineering team, as required, during the development, design, and installation of Makino automated systems.
• Interface with customers to discuss design progress, options, and issues as needed.
• Direct outside suppliers of equipment for the automated machining systems to ensure the requirements of the equipment are satisfied and delivered by the supplier.
• Lead, organize, and participate in design review meetings for internal, and outsourced designs.
• Review cost estimates and proposals for mechanical project work ensure that the project budgets are maintained and identify potential issues.
• Prepare engineering cost estimates for automated equipment mechanical design options.

The Mechanical Project Engineer does not have direct supervisory responsibilities for direct reports but is expected to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced Mechanical Engineers and Automation Support Engineers during the execution of project work.

The Mechanical Project Engineer may have dotted line supervisory responsibility for 3 rd party contract engineering resources during the execution of a project.

• Ability to work well in a dynamic environment as a team player and interact with peers, customers, and suppliers professionally.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong Knowledge of sizing and selection of mechanical components and hardware, with familiarity with pneumatic control used in mechanical design.
• Involvement in designing commercial mechanisms and machines with an understanding of design for manufacturability, design for assembly, and design for serviceability.
• Extensive knowledge of the United States and international standards as applicable, such as OSHA, ANSI, CE, ISO, RIA, etc., and robotic standards and risk assessments.
• Proficient CAD skills directed to AutoCAD and SolidWorks or equivalent CAD Packages.
• Significant experience in troubleshooting issues and finding root cause by demonstrating strong analytical skills and ability to distill problems to engineering language and techniques.
• Ability to read and implement electrical schematics into mechanical designs.
• Experience with a material resource planning program. (SAP preferred)
• Proficient use of MS Office products, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and OneNote.
• CAD data management system experience preferred. (SolidWorks EPDM)
• Understanding of robot user frames, tool frames, reach, payloads, and programming.
• Experience in planning design projects from collecting requirements and prototyping through completion and release to manufacturing.
• Proven ability and desire to mentor and guide Mechanical Engineers performing automated system design.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing projects that meet cost and schedule deadlines without endangering system quality or integrity, nor compromising safety requirements.
• Knowledge of integrating CNC machine tools in automated systems.
• Ability to travel (up to 10%). A valid passport (or the ability to obtain one) is required for the job.
• 7+ years mechanical design experience, including 5+ years experience with industrial automated systems.