Lead Mechanical Engineer, Extrusion Presses & Material Handling

Job Description

Job Description

The challenge

Own the full journey—from concept to commissioning—of heavy industrial equipment used in aluminum extrusion. You’ll be the company’s main engineering authority, reporting directly to the President/Owner, and you’ll guide designs, field fixes, shop schedules, and on-site installations.

• Days 1–30: Dive into active projects, reverse-engineer an existing press subassembly, and validate key parts with FEA.
• Days 31–60: Lead a SolidWorks redesign of a handling system, produce manufacturable 2D drawings, and align shop routing to keep machinists and assemblers fully utilized.
• Days 61–90: Coordinate a billet heater relocation and support a press installation alongside field services; contribute estimates for an upcoming retrofit.

• Design extrusion presses and associated material handling equipment via 3D modeling.
• Reverse-engineer equipment for repairs, upgrades, and product enhancements.
• Troubleshoot with field services to resolve performance and reliability issues.
• Plan and oversee movement and installation of presses, handling lines, and billet heaters.
• Assist with job quoting and scope definition.
• Travel approximately 10%–15%, subject to change based on workload.

• 10+ years in industrial machinery/equipment design.
• Demonstrated ability to schedule work through the shop to keep machinists and assemblers busy at all times.
• Strong 2D detailing for manufacturing using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Hydraulics knowledge for new systems and troubleshooting existing ones.
• Working knowledge of FEA with industry-standard software.
• Familiarity with industrial electrical systems and components.

• Experience in the aluminum extrusion sector—designing and troubleshooting.
• SolidWorks plus CAM software experience.
• 3+ years designing aluminum extrusion presses and support equipment: billet loaders, stems, containers, tie rods, etc.
• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.

• Project management and coordinating machine build/assembly activities.
• CAD proficiency; mechanical design & engineering fundamentals.
• Product design judgment; pneumatics troubleshooting.
• Interpreting and applying FEA results.

• 3D modeling and 2D drawings.
• Industrial controls and extrusion machinery.
• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CAM software.
• Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms.

Pay is based on experience.

For more than four decades, Dunaway has specialized in the design, build, and upgrade of extrusion presses and integrated systems. Our turnkey capabilities span container relines, equipment modernization, system installations, and complete plant redesigns. With in-house CNC machining to 0.0005" tolerances, we deliver precision press components. We support customers globally with engineering, consulting, installations, and field services across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.