Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution , collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Design & Engineering Execution

• Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
• Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
• Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
• Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.

CAD, BOM, and Documentation

• Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
• Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
• Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

• Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
• Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
• Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

• Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
• Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

• Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
• Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
• Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
• Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
• Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.