Automation Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we're calling on them to join our expanding team, the time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and support of automated machinery and capital equipment from concept through production. This role owns mechanical design deliverables, collaborates cross-functionally with manufacturing and customers, and ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to applicable quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation products and capital equipment using 3D CAD software
• Own mechanical design from concept through production release
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, and design validation
• Select components and manage bills of materials (BOMs)
• Apply design-for-manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), lean principles, and cost-conscious design practices
• Create detailed drawings and coordinate with internal and external machine shops to fabricate custom machine parts, weldments, and sheet metal components
• Work with technician teams to assemble and commission new equipment
• Validate equipment performance and reliability. Create comprehensive equipment handover packages and system documentation
• Provide technical support to production, service, and field teams to resolve equipment or operational issues
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, planning, quality, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and achieve project goals
• Maintain ownership of engineering processes, workflows, and design standards
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks) and PDM (Vault)
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design of electro-mechanical products, automation systems, or capital equipment
• Skills: Strong knowledge of machine design and fabrication methods including sheet metal, welding, and machining
• Working knowledge of machinery safety standards and guarding requirements
• Experience with component selection, BOM management, and engineering change control
• Expert-level proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills
• Proven successful experience multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with motion control systems, actuators, and automation components
• Experience with industrial robot arms (Fanuc preferred)
• Experience with end of arm tooling
• Travel: Up to 20%

Physical/mental requirements include office and plant environment. Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our culture is comprised of "Champions" and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and be engaged in a collaborative environment.

Benefits overview includes competitive compensation, benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions, retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays and vacation, and more!

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer