Project Engineer (Greater Milwaukee)

Mechanical Project Engineer

Position Summary

The Mechanical Project Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting custom automated equipment from concept through installation and production launch. The position plays a key role in transforming customer requirements into innovative, reliable, and manufacturable automation solutions.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing custom automation equipment, robotic cells, material handling systems, assembly equipment, and other automated machinery . This individual is comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment and is capable of managing multiple projects and priorities while maintaining schedule, quality, and technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom automated equipment from initial concept through detailed engineering and production.
• Develop mechanical systems for robotic cells, automated assembly systems, material handling equipment, machine tending applications, and custom machinery .
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, layouts, assemblies, and manufacturing documentation using 3D CAD software.
• Develop innovative mechanical concepts based on customer requirements, applications, cycle-time requirements, and production objectives.
• Select and integrate mechanical components including linear motion systems, pneumatic devices, motors, gearboxes, conveyors, sensors, tooling, and other automation components.
• Design robot end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, nests, grippers, guarding, and machine structures .
• Work closely with Controls Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers, Manufacturing, and Assembly personnel to develop complete automation systems.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly activities.
• Review customer specifications and translate requirements into practical mechanical designs.
• Generate and maintain engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Support prototype builds, machine assembly, debug, run-off, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues during machine build and integration.
• Make design modifications based on testing, customer feedback, and production requirements.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, and design decisions to internal teams and project stakeholders.
• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously, balancing competing priorities, deadlines, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate engineering activities with project schedules and proactively identify potential technical or schedule risks.
• Support customer interactions, design reviews, and on-site installation or commissioning as required.
• Continuously improve design standards, engineering processes, and reusable automation solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field ; equivalent engineering experience may be considered.
• Experience designing and developing custom automated equipment or machinery .
• Experience with robotic automation, robotic cells, automated assembly systems, or material handling systems .
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or Siemens NX .
• Demonstrated ability to take mechanical designs from concept through detailed design, fabrication, assembly, and commissioning .
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, machine structures, guarding, and other mechanical automation components.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, tolerancing, and material selection.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot equipment in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously .
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotic systems and robot integration , including industrial robots from manufacturers such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or KUKA.
• Experience with automated assembly, machine tending, dispensing, welding, inspection, or material handling applications.
• Experience designing EOAT, robotic grippers, fixtures, and tooling .
• Familiarity with pneumatics, hydraulics, linear motion, servo systems, and other automation technologies.
• Experience with machine guarding and applicable machinery safety requirements.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with customer-facing engineering and design reviews.
• Experience in a custom machine builder, systems integrator, or special-purpose automation environment.
• Project management experience or familiarity with project scheduling and resource planning.

Core Competencies

• Custom Automation Design
• Robotic Cell Design
• Mechanical Engineering
• 3D CAD / Solid Modeling
• Fixture & Tooling Design
• EOAT / Gripper Design
• Automated Assembly
• Material Handling
• Design for Manufacturing & Assembly
• Mechanical Troubleshooting
• Project Coordination
• Multi-Project Management
• Customer Communication
• Problem Solving

Working Environment

The Mechanical Project Engineer works in a dynamic custom automation and machine-building environment where projects can vary significantly in size, complexity, and technology. The position requires a combination of engineering design work and hands-on involvement with equipment during fabrication, assembly, debug, testing, and installation.

The successful candidate is expected to be comfortable managing multiple projects at different stages of development and collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, assembly, controls, and project management teams.

Success in the Role

Success in this position is demonstrated by delivering well-engineered, reliable, and manufacturable automation systems that meet customer requirements, project schedules, and performance expectations. The Mechanical Project Engineer effectively manages competing priorities, communicates technical issues early, and contributes practical engineering solutions throughout the entire equipment development process.