Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position:  Mechanical Engineer

Reports to:  Engineering Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

CMD’s Purpose:  Making It Better Together … We believe in building lifelong partnerships, providing high performing equipment and value-added solutions. We empower and trust our employees to take initiative and make decisions that drive our business forward. We strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. 

Mechanical Engineer Summary:  The Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supports the manufacture and integration of mechanical systems, equipment, and components. This role applies mechanical engineering principles and technical expertise to create innovative, reliable, safe, and cost-effective solutions for capital equipment, plastics converting, and industrial automation applications. The Mechanical Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical problems, improve equipment performance and reliability, and support projects from concept and design through testing, commissioning, and production.

Mechanical Engineer Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, and implement mechanical systems, assemblies, machine components, and structures for capital equipment, plastics converting machinery, and automation systems.
• Create and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications, and other technical documentation in accordance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Select and specify materials, purchased components, mechanisms, bearings, power-transmission components, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, and other equipment based on application requirements, performance, reliability, safety, cost, and availability.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses involving loads, stresses, deflection, tolerances, thermal effects, motion, torque, power, and other design considerations.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to resolve design, manufacturing, installation, and equipment-performance issues.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, manufacturing, service, and other engineering disciplines to develop integrated equipment solutions.
• Conduct or support design reviews, tolerance studies, risk assessments, testing, troubleshooting, and validation to ensure equipment meets functional, performance, quality, and safety requirements.
• Participate in prototype development, equipment assembly, factory acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and start-up activities as required.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and equipment using engineering principles, technical documentation, measurement tools, and systematic problem-solving methods.
• Support manufacturing and service personnel by providing technical guidance, resolving production and field issues, and developing practical solutions to equipment problems.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable codes, standards, regulatory requirements, machine-safety expectations, and company engineering practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and cost through design and process improvements.
• Prepare and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, calculations, test records, change orders, and technical files.
• Manage assigned engineering projects and technical activities, including defining requirements, developing schedules, coordinating resources, and communicating project status.
• Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, manufacturing personnel, and field service teams as needed.
• Stay current with relevant mechanical engineering technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, standards, and industry practices and recommend their application where beneficial.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Other Duties : Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Mechanical Engineer Competencies:

• Proficiency with 3D mechanical design and drafting software, with experience using tools such as SolidWorks PDM.
• Working knowledge of machine design principles, engineering materials, manufacturing processes, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and applicable industry standards.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex technical issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, service, and other multidisciplinary teams and clearly communicate technical information.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and execute engineering projects from concept through design, testing, commissioning, and completion.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, models, specifications, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and make timely decisions within established guidelines.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Five or more years of relevant mechanical engineering experience preferred, particularly in capital equipment, machine design, industrial automation, plastics converting, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing custom machinery and applying GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design-for-manufacturing principles is highly desirable.

Additional Details and Requirements:

Work Environment:  CMD operates a campus in Appleton, WI. Our three facilities operate by secure entry, are well lit, air temperature controlled for comfort, and clean with low noise. Safety is our top priority. Our culture is centered around mutual respect, clarity of communication, and employee wellbeing.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, reach, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other routine office and manufacturing equipment.
• The position requires sufficient physical mobility to inspect and interact with capital equipment and manufacturing processes, including the ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and work in various positions as needed.
• The position requires the ability to navigate the manufacturing environment safely, including walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing or walking for extended periods.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to visually inspect equipment, components, and work areas, as well as perform computer-based tasks.
• Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and other protective equipment as required by the work environment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate levels of noise, vibration, odors, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to follow all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements, including established safety procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response protocols.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Status:  Full-time, exempt.

Mechanical Engineer Travel:  Occasional travel may be required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance/Confidentiality: Must be authorized to work in the United States and adhere to CMD’s confidentiality agreement(s).

EEO Statement:  CMD Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.