MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Align Production Systems

$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 3+ years in a hands-on engineering or design role
  • Strong experience with hydraulic systems design and troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical systems

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering projects from concept through fabrication, assembly, and validation
  • Design and integrate custom hydraulic systems for heavy equipment
  • Select components and create system layouts for hydraulic systems
  • Troubleshoot and refine hydraulic performance during testing
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and technicians to ensure practicality of designs
  • Engage with customers to clarify requirements and scope
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation and seek design improvements

Benefits

  • Hands-On Engineering: Experience seeing your designs built and operational
  • Collaborative Environment: Opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals
  • Real-world problem solving in a plant setting
Full Job Description
Mechanical Design Engineer (On-Site | Plant Environment) Location: Decatur, IL Type: Full-Time, On-Site Position Summary We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team in a full-time, on-site plant environment. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a hands-on setting, enjoys solving real-world problems, and wants to see their designs built and functioning in the field. You will be responsible for the design and development of custom hydraulic systems and heavy material handling equipment, working directly with manufacturing and customers to deliver engineered solutions. Key Responsibilities Project Ownership - Lead engineering projects from concept through fabrication, assembly, and final validation - Ensure designs meet performance, cost, and timeline expectations Hydraulic System Design - Design and integrate custom hydraulic systems for heavy material handling equipment - Select components (valves, cylinders, pumps, hoses) and develop system layouts - Troubleshoot and refine hydraulic performance during build and testing phases Hands-On Engineering - Work directly in the plant environment to support assembly, testing, and commissioning - Collaborate with technicians and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and buildable - Participate in debugging, problem-solving, and continuous improvement on the floor Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with manufacturing, controls, and sales teams to align engineering solutions with customer needs - Engage with suppliers to identify and source optimal components Customer & Supplier Interaction - Support technical discussions with customers to clarify requirements and scope - Work with vendors to develop and refine component solutions within design constraints Documentation & Continuous Improvement - Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawings, and revisions - Identify opportunities to improve design efficiency, cost, and performance Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field - 3+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering or design role - Strong experience with hydraulic systems design and troubleshooting - Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) - Solid understanding of: - Manufacturing processes - Mechanical systems and assemblies - Heavy equipment or industrial machinery (preferred) - Ability to work effectively in a plant/production environment - Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions with incomplete information What We're Looking For - Self-driven contributors who take ownership of projects - Individuals comfortable working on the shop floor alongside technicians - Practical thinkers who can balance design intent with real-world constraints Why Join Align? - Hands-On Engineering: Your work goes beyond design - you'll see it built and operational - Collaborative Environment: Work closely with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams Apply Today If you're looking for a role where you can design, build, and solve real engineering challenges, we encourage you to apply and join the Align team.

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