Contract Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Simplifying the Complex. Simplexity is a product development engineering firm, hired by leading technology companies to design their next generation products. In an industry of overly‑complex design and production, we strive for simplicity, reducing product cost and improving reliability for our clients through our Product Development Process.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you would be working with a team designing subsystems of various products, tools, and equipment. Specific technical responsibilities vary by project; however, it is imperative that you have command of all mechanical engineering fundamentals and understand how they are applied to simple, reliable design. This position is ideal for someone who has a strong technical background, technical leadership experience, and has worked in product development. We are looking for someone who can get things done and can execute when there is a lot of ambiguity around requirements and priorities. In addition to product development experience and strong Mechanical Engineering fundamentals, specific areas of technical expertise include:

JOB DUTIES

Work onsite, embedded with clients and engineers to deliver designs that meet client and project team objectives. Architect, design, and integrate intricate mechanical systems. Efficiently represent concepts for your designs using block diagrams, rough CAD/schematics, sketches, etc. Solve problems and design solutions that incorporate custom (injection‑molded, machined, 3D‑printed, and sheet metal), semi‑custom, and off‑the‑shelf parts. Perform paper‑studies using various mechanical engineering academic principles, such as force and energy balances, structural calculations, mechanical vibration, tolerance analysis, mechanical power transmission, etc. Manage large 3D CAD assemblies of many components. Generate and maintain an organized bill of materials. Create 2D drawings using ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards. Quickly and effectively prototype design concepts, testing specifications and iterating. Work collaboratively with other engineers of various disciplines. Identify appropriate manufacturing methods for prototyping and production. Design components appropriately for those manufacturing methods. Manage, organize, and prioritize technical issues on your designs and drive toward resolution. Work closely and communicate regularly with clients and project management to keep stakeholders apprised of project status, issues, design decisions, and risks. Coordinate with external partners in areas like industrial design and contract manufacturing.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four‑year university. 8+ years of relevant professional engineering experience. Proficient knowledge of SolidWorks (highly preferred) or equivalent CAD package. Thorough understanding of 2D drawings, with a preference for strength in GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and how it is applied to design and manufacturing. Demonstrable knowledge of manufacturing processes and mechanical design considerations – injection molding, sheet metal, machining, rapid prototyping, etc. Demonstrable knowledge of assembly and alignment methods – screw joints, snap fits, dowel pins, heat‑staking, etc. Ability to identify and root‑cause system‑level defects. Experience in design and integration of complex systems working closely with cross‑functional disciplines (electrical, firmware, software, and systems engineers). Excellent organization and analytical skills combined with attention to detail. Ability to prioritize and plan effectively. Highly motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to communicate clearly and write detailed reports. Have a positive attitude and focus on client success. Ethical and honest in every part of the job.

PLUSES TO HAVE

Robotics design experience using small actuators and general kinematics. Experience with mechatronics and electro‑mechanical systems including stepper and DC motors, solenoids, gear and belt drive systems, linear actuators, bearings, sensors, and electronics. Electronics packaging design, including structural FEA, thermal management, and space‑constrained design. Test equipment design experience that includes capturing requirements and then designing and building test instruments to support testing of prototype hardware. Knowledge of manufacturing processes and mechanical design considerations for injection molding, sheet metal, machining, rapid prototyping. Experience using a CAD PDM system to manage CAD files. Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, or experience in other simulation packages.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Two types of contractor roles will be considered: W-2 contractor (employee of Simplexity) Hourly rate $70–$90/hr, depending on experience. Excellent Healthcare plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision) fully paid for the employee; partial payment for dependents. 401(k) plan with company match after 1,000 hours of service. Long‑term and short‑term disability, AD&D and Life Insurance. 11 paid holidays. 15 days of paid time off (PTO) accrued each year. 1099 contractor (own consulting business) Hourly rate $95–$125/hr, depending on experience. No benefits, holidays, or paid time off (PTO) included. Job location is in the Seattle, WA metro region at a Simplexity client site. Initial ~6 month contract with expectation of multi‑year engagement. Simplexity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Simplexity Product Development