Mechanical Design Lead - (Custom OEM, Automation & SolidWorks Mastery)

Mechanical Design Lead – (Custom OEM, Automation & SolidWorks Mastery)

Up to $120,000 • Brown Deer, WI Area • Global OEM Transition Join an elite engineering team at a high-growth manufacturer designing ground-up custom automation and robotic cells for global markets See your designs come to life on-site in a 100% SolidWorks environment that values innovation and technical ownership

• EXPERIENCE 5–10 Years Custom Machine Design-Build (Not Consumer Products)
• SOFTWARE Mastery of SolidWorks for Machine Design (Transitioning from AutoCAD)
• TECH High-Speed Assembly, Robotic Work Cells, Hydraulics & Pneumatics
• COMP Up to $120,000 Annually (Based on experience)
• LOCATION Greater Brown Deer / Milwaukee County area
• TYPE Full-Time, Permanent, W-2 (100% Onsite)
• AUTH US Citizen or Green Card Holder required

This is a high-impact leadership role at an employee-oriented company that turns complex automation concepts into reality. As one of five lead engineers, you will be instrumental in the firm’s transition into a high-growth OEM, designing sophisticated systems that ship to global giants across the US and Europe. Unlike large corporate environments, here you have the unique experience of seeing your creations manufactured and assembled on-site.

The engineering team is compact and elite, meaning your contributions are visible and your influence on design integrity is significant. The company is currently transitioning to a 100% SolidWorks environment, offering a modern platform for designers who enjoy the challenge of ground-up custom builds. If you are a veteran designer or BSME who thrives on technical complexity and wants a clear path for career advancement, this is your ideal professional home.

What You Will Be Doing

• Leading the mechanical design integrity, technical approach, and profitability for complex machine design-build projects
• Partnering with Project Managers during concept reviews to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions that meet rigorous customer specs
• Structuring and breaking down large-scale design efforts into manageable tasks, overseeing both in-house designers and external partners
• Applying advanced design practices for hydraulic and pneumatic systems to meet unique machine requirements
• Identifying and mitigating potential safety concerns (pinch points, accessibility, etc.) during the early-stage design phase
• Managing technical communications with global customers to ensure cycle times and machine specs meet international standards
• Maintaining engineering release schedules and facilitating corrective actions to keep projects on time and under budget

What We Are Looking For

• Design Expertise: BSME or 5–10 years of direct experience in custom machine design-build and implementation (3+ years specifically in custom equipment)
• Technical Proficiency: Current, direct mastery of SolidWorks for machine design; experience with power transmission, material science, and machine tools
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, Laser) and high-speed assembly procedures
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and a small team of designers or detailers
• Stability: A solid work history showing long-term commitment to past employers; "job hopping" is a disqualifier for this role
• Requirements: Must be a US Citizen or Green Card holder residing within 45 minutes of the Brown Deer area