Lead Machine Design Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Lead Machine Design Engineer – Robotics & Automation

Up to $120,000 Base Salary • Brown Deer, WI Area • 100% Onsite • Full Benefits

• SOFTWARE: Advanced, expert-level SolidWorks fluency required (large assemblies & configurations)
• EXPERIENCE: 5–10 years of ground-up, custom machine design experience (automation, robotics, or high-speed machinery)
• TECHNICAL FOCUS: Robotic cell integration, precision power transmission, pneumatics, hydraulics, and weldments
• PROJECT OWNERSHIP: High-autonomy role managing projects from client concept through shop floor release
• CITIZENSHIP: US Citizen or Green Card holder required (no corporate visa sponsorship available)

If you are a veteran machine designer or BSME who is tired of being a nameless cog in a massive corporate machine—or designing minor variations of the same product over and over—this direct-hire track offers a true career upgrade. This high-growth, globally recognized OEM specializing in highly complex, custom automation and robotic cells for major manufacturers across the US and Europe. Every build is unique, ensuring you are constantly challenged and engaged.

You will have a massive technical impact on the organization's growth, as the work environment is entirely free of rigid corporate silos. Because their modern manufacturing and assembly floor is located under the same roof as your engineering bay, you have an immediate feedback loop with the machine builders, machinists, and controls engineers. You aren't just pushing pixels here; you own the mechanical integrity, profitability, and functional success of your custom creations.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Lead the mechanical design integrity and technical engineering approach for high-speed, multi-axis custom automated machinery and robotic cells.
• Develop early-stage machine concepts alongside Project Managers during quoting phases to brainstorm cost-effective, high-performance mechanical solutions.
• Deconstruct large-scale project scopes into milestones, guiding internal detailers and coordinating with external fabrication partners.
• Integrate complex fluid power and mechanical systems, selecting and sizing hydraulic, pneumatic, and servo-driven components.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews to identify and eliminate safety concerns (pinch points, guard interlocking, ergonomic access) prior to manufacturing release.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for international customers, ensuring machine cycle times and safety specifications meet global standards.
• Manage engineering release schedules, track detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), and quickly resolve any floor assembly or structural issues.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• BSME degree or 5 to 10 years of verifiable, ground-up custom machinery design-build experience; candidates must have a background in heavy industrial equipment, high-speed assembly, or automation (no consumer goods).
• Expert-level SolidWorks modeling proficiency, specifically with large assembly management, configuration design, and creating production-ready manufacturing drawings.
• Deep manufacturing and fabrication knowledge, including structural welding methodologies, material selection, and precision machining tolerances.
• Strong project leadership habits, with a proven ability to keep engineering timelines on schedule and lead small teams of technical professionals.
• A stable, progressive employment history that displays multi-year tenure and dedication to past employers.
• Local proximity and permanent residency established within a dependable daily driving radius of the Brown Deer, WI facility.