Mechanical Engineer - Custom Automation & Capital EquipmentKoch Finishing Systems | Caledonia, MI (Grand Rapids Area) | Full-Time
Koch Finishing Systems is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We engineer and build custom automated finishing systems - including automated plating and anodizing lines, material handling systems, process tanks, platforms, and piping - used for cleaning, stripping, electroplating, coating, and conversion coating across a wide range of industries. This role is ideal for a mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex capital equipment engineering challenges, from concept and calculations through fabrication and startup on the shop floor.
Compensation & Benefits- Salary range: $85,000-$120,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Occasional travel for customer visits, installation, and commissioning support
Key Responsibilities- Engineer custom automated capital equipment - including plating/anodizing process lines, tanks, platforms, piping, and material handling systems - applying sound engineering principles to meet performance, safety, and quality requirements
- Perform engineering calculations and analysis (structural loads, tank/vessel design, material selection, corrosion resistance) to support design decisions
- Translate customer process requirements and specifications into functional, manufacturable equipment solutions
- Collaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated automated systems
- Own mechanical engineering scope from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning, including field troubleshooting
- Produce 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an output of the engineering process
- Evaluate customer requirements, budgets, and timelines to develop effective engineering solutions
- Participate in customer-facing concept and design reviews, representing the technical solution
- Support project scheduling and execution with the Project Management team
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required)
- Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with custom automated machinery, capital equipment, or special machine design - hands-on drafting/design-only experience does not substitute for this requirement
- Demonstrated experience applying engineering fundamentals: structural/mechanical analysis, material selection, tolerance stack-up, and failure analysis
- Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, servo/precision motion, and sheet metal or weldment design
- Experience engineering tanks, platforms, piping, or material handling equipment a strong plus; plating or anodizing process equipment experience a plus
- Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an engineering tool; PLM/PDM experience a plus
- Working knowledge of GD&T and DFM/DFA principles
- Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and assembly
- Strong engineering problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or within a team
