Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Application Engineering | Peoria, IL (In-Person) | Full-Time | Relocation Assistance Provided
Compensation: $95,000 - $145,000Every project is different. Every customer has a problem nobody has solved quite this way before. If that excites you more than running the same product through the same process, keep reading.
We run two engineering teams: New Product Development builds and maintains Rheo's standard product lines, while Application Engineering - the team this role sits on - works directly with our project management team and customers to turn unique requirements into custom-engineered solutions, often under tight deadlines and real constraints. If you thrive on variety and solving problems, this is the team for you.
We're looking for a Senior Design Engineer who wants to own the technical quality of that work in a technical leadership role. You will have the opportunity to shape the Design framework and trajectory of our Application Engineering team and be a critical part of developing and mentoring Design Engineers. You'll be looked up to and relied on throughout the team for the influence and expertise you bring.
What You'll Do - Lead the technical execution of custom equipment projects - CAD modeling in Autodesk Inventor, design reviews, engineering calculations, and FEA
- Own the quality of engineering deliverables across your projects, including drawings, customer submittals, and documentation
- Manage the engineering change process: triage ECRs, review and close out ECOs, and maintain basis of design documentation
- Mentor Design Engineers through hands-on guidance, model reviews, and constructive feedback that builds real capability
- Collaborate across functions - fabrication, assembly, controls, manufacturing engineering, and purchasing - to keep designs producible and projects on track
- Serve as a primary technical contact for customers: lead design reviews, prepare approval submittals, and communicate directly on technical matters
- Source and qualify vendors, review vendor drawings, and conduct technical evaluations
- Support Factory Acceptance Tests (internal and external), system integration, quality activities, and commissioning
- Generate engineering standards, design calculators, and administer the CAD environment
What We're Looking For - Significant professional experience in mechanical design engineering with demonstrated ownership of complex assembly design work from concept through release
- Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor or equivalent 3D CAD
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Experience with FEA software tools
- Proven track record of producing and reviewing engineering drawings, models, and calculations to a high standard of quality
- Experience leading design reviews and managing engineering change processes (ECR/ECO)
- Track record of mentoring other engineers and elevating team capability
- Direct experience interfacing with customers on technical matters
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
Preferred Qualifications - PE license or active progress toward licensure
- Experience in pharmaceutical, food processing, or other regulated manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with powder handling or process equipment design
- Knowledge of GMP, cleanability (CIP/WIP), process containment, or OEL/OEB requirements
- Familiarity with project management practices and tools
- Working knowledge of ASME codes, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and fabrication processes
Benefits - Leading medical insurance - consistently low rates compared to other businesses in the area
- Health Savings Account with employer contributions (plan-dependent)
- Dental, vision, and life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- 401(k) with 4% employer match
- Paid paternity and maternity leave
- Paid cell phone plan with stipend for a new phone every 2 years
- Employee referral program
Working Conditions Office-based with regular time on the manufacturing floor and at vendor and client sites. Travel up to approximately 10% of the time. Standard 8-hour workday; occasional overtime as needed.
