Design Engineer

Design Engineer

At Cross Company, we don't just show up for work—we show up for a company we actually own. As a 100% employee-owned industrial technology leader, we provide specialized expertise in automation, hydraulics, precision measurement, and more that keeps the world's manufacturers moving.

We operate on the principle of Servant Leadership: we hire smart, driven people and then get out of their way so they can do what they do best. When you join the Cross team, you aren't just an employee; you're an owner-associate in a stable, transparent, and high-performance environment where your voice truly matters.

Job Summary

Reports To: Engineering Manager

The Design Engineer is responsible for the development of technical hardware designs, 3D models, and detailed production documentation. This role focuses on creating 3D assemblies of custom items and control panel layouts to support in-house fabrication and assembly. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the position ensures all designs meet organizational standards and are optimized for physical production.

Essential Functions

• 3D Modeling & Design: Assemble 3D models of custom assembly items and design fabricated parts.
• 2D Schematic Development: Create and maintain detailed 2D electrical and mechanical schematics to guide assembly and fabrication efforts.
• Control Panel Layouts: Develop hardware design and drafting requests specifically for in-house panel shop fabrications.
• Production Documentation: Generate accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) and technical drafting packages to support project proposals and active production.
• Shop Collaboration: Interact closely with Assembly and Fabrication Shop personnel to ensure layouts and designs are practical for physical assembly.
• Design Maintenance: Modify and update existing drawings to bring legacy designs up to current organizational standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Technical Consultation: Act as an internal technical resource for the assembly shop during the build phase to resolve design-related issues.
• Material Specification: Independently work to specify materials and devices that meet functional design requirements.
• Administrative Diligence: Complete weekly Quality Assurance paperwork and enter time/expenses into the database by defined deadlines.

Education & Experience

A two year technology/engineering degree or equivalent related experience is required. Experience: Must have industrial drafting experience, specifically within a manufacturing or fabrication environment.

Required Competencies

Knowledge Required

• Technical Proficiency: Drafting experience utilizing Autodesk Product Design Suite products (Inventor, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Document Literacy: Experience reading and interpreting technical specifications and design documents.
• Problem Solving: Fluent mathematical skills and expertise in solving mechanical design challenges.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively relay design intent to the shop floor.
• Teamwork: Ability to function cooperatively in a team environment to support large-scale projects.

Specific Attributes

• Customer Focus - Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels of customer contact.
• Instills Trust - High level of integrity and understanding of business ethics.
• Communicates Effectively - Excellent listening skills.
• Action Oriented - Self-motivated; able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Plans and Aligns - Good organizational skills.
• Resourcefulness - Innovative, open-minded, resourceful.
• Collaborates - Functions cooperatively in a team environment.
• Nimble Learning - Integrates new information quickly.

Physical & Mental Requirements

The work environment varies from typical office environment to plant site environment. Travel typically is 0-5%; between both Corporate Location and MTC Facility. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Requires walking primarily on a level surface for varying periods throughout the day in the plant site area. Could involve long periods of Computer work. Able to lift or carry up to 30 lbs. Physical effort required, continuous mental and visual attention required. While working in the office environment will be supporting 5 day a week but may require working more than 40 hours to support the work efforts. The performance of this position can include exposure to the manufacturing areas where certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Safety Glasses with Side Shields and Hearing Protection. Primary environment: ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an "at will" employment relationship.