Staff Mechanical Engineer

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Job Title - Engineer, Mechanical

General Summary

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal technical role on CommScope's Automation Team, designing, developing, and deploying custom automated manufacturing equipment for fiber optic products. This is a hands-on machine design role focused on translating manufacturing challenges into robust, scalable automation solutions that improve quality, throughput, safety, and cost. This position will work onsite at the Shakopee, Minnesota facility.

You'll join a collaborative automation group that values practical engineering, technical rigor, continuous improvement, and direct impact on manufacturing performance.

Duties & Responsibilities

Machine & Automation Development

• Architect and design custom automated machinery, tooling, fixtures, and semi-automated solutions to improve manufacturing capability, cycle time, ergonomics, safety, and product quality.
• Drive concepts from whiteboard to deployed equipment through iterative prototyping, bench testing, and process trials.
• Support new process development, equipment qualification, factory acceptance testing, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Identify opportunities to transition manual operations to semi-automated or fully automated solutions aligned with manufacturing roadmaps.

Mechanical Design

• Own the mechanical design of automation systems, including mechanisms, frames, motion systems, guarding, and precision tooling.
• Apply sound machine design principles, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA methodologies to create manufacturable, reliable, and serviceable equipment.
• Select and integrate commercial components such as pneumatics, motors, actuators, bearings, sensors, and machine safety hardware.
• Generate complete design documentation packages including 3D CAD models, 2D detail drawings, BOMs, assembly work instructions, and maintenance documentation.
• Perform hands-on activities including equipment build, debug, setup, calibration, process optimization, and performance validation.

Cross-Functional & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate closely with controls, software, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and supplier partners to deliver integrated automation systems.
• Lead mechanical design reviews and contribute to broader automation and system-level design reviews.
• Provide informal technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to mechanical design standards, standard work, reusable machine modules, and engineering best practices.

Analyze equipment and process performance data using tools such as Excel or Minitab to guide design improvements and risk mitigation.

Accountability / Impact

This is an individual contributor role with significant technical ownership. You will work closely with manufacturing, controls, electrical, and software engineering teams, supporting both local and global manufacturing operations. The role emphasizes deep technical contribution, cross-functional collaboration, and seeing designs from concept and prototype to production-ready equipment operating on the factory floor.

Competencies

Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivery multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

Global Perspective: Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.

Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quality, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

Decision Quality : Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

Required Qualifications for Consideration

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline or an associates degree with 5+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
• Demonstrated experience designing custom automation equipment, capital equipment, or complex mechanical systems.
• Solid working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and precision machine design best practices.
• Hands-on experience building, debugging, and qualifying mechanical equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with standard productivity tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to travel up to ~15% to support global manufacturing locations.
• Unrestricted authorization to work (no current or future sponsorship required).

Desirable Qualifications Job Specifications

• Direct experience with fiber optics
• Exposure to PLCs, motion systems, robotics, or machine vision integration.
• Experience with PDM systems (SolidWorks PDM or similar).
• Background in new process introduction (NPI), equipment qualification, FAT/SAT execution, or IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Experience supporting global manufacturing teams or working with external automation suppliers.
• Comfort balancing detailed CAD design work with hands-on shop-floor execution.

Our salary ranges consider a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to benchmarking by independent third-party consultants, skill sets, years of experience, training, education, geography, and other business needs. Depending on experience, the range can be higher for candidates with exceptional experience and a demonstrated history of successful performance. The expected salary range for this position is $87,500 - $109,000 based on hired level and experience. The candidate will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) plan, and participation in the Company's Incentive Plan. Candidates starting with the Company will be eligible for eleven paid holidays in a full calendar year, two weeks of paid vacation (prorated based on start date), as well as other leave options.

Why CommScope:

CommScope is on a quest to deliver connectivity that empowers how we live, work, and learn. Our employees push the boundaries of communications technology that enables game-changing discoveries like 5G, the Internet of Things, and gigabit speeds for everyone, everywhere. With our unmatched expertise in copper, fiber, and wireless infrastructure, our global clients rely on us to outperform today and be ready for the needs of tomorrow.


If you want to grow your career alongside bright, passionate, and caring people who strive to create what's next.....come connect to your future at CommScope.

CommScope is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), including people with disabilities and veterans. If you are seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process, please contact us to submit your request at View email address on click.appcast.io. You can also learn more about CommScope's accommodation process and EEO policy at


Learn more about how we're on a quest to connect the future and build what's next.