Mechanical Design Engineer

All successful applicants will be employed directly by the client organisation. Based : Houston, TX (remote initially, transitioning to on-site within 3–5 months) Salary : $80,000 to $130,000 dependent on experience Contract : Permanent, full-time (40–50hrs/week) Before You Apply — Please Read This role is for a specific type of mechanical engineer. Not a product designer. Not a maintenance engineer. Not a manufacturing engineer. A custom automation machine design engineer — someone who has spent their career at machine builders and automation integrators designing complete systems from a blank sheet of paper through to installation and commissioning. If that isn't your background, this role isn't for you and your application will not move forward. You must hold full, unrestricted US work authorisation to be considered. Our client does not provide visa sponsorship under any circumstances. If you need sponsorship now or in the future, this opportunity is not for you. A background and drug test will be required at the point of hire. What the Job Involves A leading custom automation integrator is expanding into the Houston, TX area and is looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer or Mechatronics Engineer to join their engineering team on a permanent basis. You will design and deliver custom automation equipment — special purpose machines, robotic cells, gantry systems, conveyor integrations, EOAT, automated assembly stations — across a wide range of industries. You'll take projects from concept through detailed design, fabrication, and commissioning. You'll work with a high degree of autonomy, lead on complex projects, and mentor junior engineers within the team. This role will begin remotely, transitioning to on-site as the company establishes its Houston presence within 3–5 months. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the Houston area. The right person for this job has spent their career at automation integrators, machine builders, or special purpose machinery companies. If your background is in automotive OEM, aerospace, medical devices, consumer products, or general manufacturing — and you haven't designed complete custom machines end-to-end — this role is not the right fit. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Design complete custom automation systems and machines from concept through to commissioning in SolidWorks Design molded, welded, etched, stamped, machined, and extruded components for custom automation equipment Create 3D models, detailed drawings, assemblies, and part files for custom automation systems Conduct pFMEAs and Risk Assessments on new designs Estimate automation systems and develop cost models Participate in design reviews, specifications, and feasibility assessments Coordinate and perform design verification and validation testing Modify existing designs to improve performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability Assign part numbers, create Bills of Material, and define product configurations Manage Engineering Change Notices for products requiring revision or process updates Communicate project status to management and customers throughout the project lifecycle Mentor and support associate mechanical engineers and technical staff Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, and quality standards (OSHA, RIA, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, NEC, ISO 13849-1, EN 954-1) You Must Be Able to Demonstrate All of the Following Full, unrestricted authorisation to work in the United States — no sponsorship, no exceptions Minimum 5 years' experience designing custom automation equipment or special purpose machinery at an automation integrator or machine builder — this is a hard requirement, not a preference SolidWorks as your primary CAD tool — 3D modelling, drawing generation, assemblies, and CAD database management Experience designing complete machines from concept through to installation and commissioning — not just components or parts BS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics (MS a plus) Proven experience with pFMEAs, DFM techniques, BOMs, and engineering change processes Ability to work under minimal supervision and manage complex, large-scope project assignments Based in or willing to relocate to the Houston, TX area — remote initially, on-site within 3–5 months If your background is primarily in automotive OEM, aerospace, medical devices, or general product design rather than custom automation machine design, please do not apply — your application will not be taken forward. Experience designing robotic cells, gantry systems, EOAT, or conveyor integrations Experience with Visual Components or Robo-Guide simulation software Familiarity with automation system cost estimation and project scoping Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading within an engineering team Military service in a relevant engineering or mechanical trade The Working Environment This role starts remotely for candidates based in the Houston, TX area, with a planned transition to on-site working as the company establishes its Houston facility within 3–5 months. You should be comfortable with that transition and committed to being on-site when the time comes. Expect 10-20% travel to client sites and manufacturing plants to support project meetings, installations, commissioning, and shutdowns — some of which may require evenings or weekends. #J-18808-Ljbffr