Design Engineer

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Location: Wheeling, IL - On Site

Employment Type: Full-Time

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), generous paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

Company Description

SMW-AUTOBLOK is a global leader in the workholding industry since 1942, originating from the foundation of Autoblok SpA in Italy. The company is renowned for its extensive product line of high-quality workholding and gripping systems for machine tools. With production facilities in Italy, Germany, the USA, China, and India, SMW-AUTOBLOK ensures consistent superior product performance, support, and service worldwide. The group has achieved sustained global growth by providing exceptional customer service and technical support.

Position Summary

SMW Autoblok Corporation is seeking a highly motivated Design Engineer to support the design and development of custom and standard workholding solutions for the manufacturing industry. This position is responsible for creating detailed mechanical designs, assemblies, and production drawings while collaborating closely with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production teams.

The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical aptitude, experience in workholding design, and a solid understanding of machining processes. They must be detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and tooling using SolidWorks.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing drawings in accordance with company and industry standards.
• Develop custom workholding solutions for customer applications.
• Interpret customer prints, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure proper functionality, manufacturability, and inspection of designs.
• Perform engineering calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) when required to validate designs.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, and Production teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revisions within the company's PDM system.
• Utilize ERP and Cad-Link systems to support project execution and manufacturing workflows.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving design-related manufacturing issues.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and product development efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing workholding, tooling, fixturing, or similar precision mechanical products preferred.
• Experience using SolidWorks for part, assembly, and drawing creation required.
• Experience with PDM systems preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems preferred.
• Experience with Cad-Link preferred.
• Experience performing FEA analysis preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks.
• Strong ability to interpret and create technical drawings.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, turning, milling, and assembly.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drafting standards.
• Mechanical aptitude with a practical, hands-on approach to design.
• Ability to analyze problems and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Core Competencies

• Mechanical Design
• Workholding Design
• Manufacturing Knowledge
• Technical Problem Solving
• GD&T Application
• CAD Design
• Project Management
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration
• Multi-Tasking
• Continuous Improvement

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and are looking for a motivated engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, developing innovative workholding solutions, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Interested in joining our team?

Send your resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io to apply today.