Mechanical Engineering Senior

For 80 years Rice Lake Weighing Systems has been a successful, growth-oriented company known as a leader in the weighing industry and our community. Measurement Systems International, a Rice Lake Weighing Systems Company, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Kent, WA.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and validation of new and custom products to meet customer specifications. This role places a strong emphasis on strain gage-based load cell transducer design and development, including mechanical design for optimized strain distribution, signal sensitivity, and long-term stability. The position also includes hands-on involvement in testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of load cell performance, along with exposure to experimental stress analysis and validation techniques.
This role also requires working knowledge of the electrical aspects of load cell systems, including strain gage signal behavior, Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal normalization, and integration with instrumentation and control systems. The ideal candidate will have a technical background suited for applying load cell technology within complex, customer-specific systems and applications.
The successful candidate will lead product development efforts from concept through production, including CAD modeling, engineering analysis, prototyping, instrumentation, testing, calibration, and documentation. This position requires strong technical depth in both mechanical design and measurement systems, along with the ability to lead projects and collaborate across a multi-disciplinary team.
Lead the design and development of strain gage-based load cell transducers, including geometry optimization, material selection, and integration of strain gage layouts
Develop designs that account for performance characteristics such as accuracy, linearity, hysteresis, creep, repeatability, temperature effects, and fatigue life
Perform and oversee testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of load cell systems, including root cause analysis of performance issues and implementation of corrective actions
Design and execute test plans, including instrumentation setup, signal measurement, data acquisition, and correlation of physical test data to analytical models (FEA)
Apply experimental stress analysis methods (e.g., strain gaging, Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal conditioning, normalization, and data acquisition systems) to validate and refine designs
Support integration of load cells into complex customer systems, including interaction with controls, instrumentation, and system-level performance requirements
Develop CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and complete engineering documentation
Perform engineering analysis, including FEA, and validate designs through prototype testing
Ensure designs meet DFX principles (manufacturability, assembly, reliability, safety, and serviceability)
Collaborate with Product Engineers, Designers, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to support product realization
Lead and manage multiple projects, timelines, and cross-functional teams
Support manufacturing through fixture design, process development, calibration methods, and troubleshooting
Assist with installation and field support of products as needed
Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and continuous product improvement
Develop reports, procedures, and training materials
Travel to customer sites and other company locations as required
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

• 8+ years of industrial product design experience
• Strong experience in strain gage-based load cell transducer design, testing, calibration, and performance troubleshooting
• Working knowledge of electrical aspects of load cell systems, including Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal output/normalization, and basic signal conditioning principles
• Experience or exposure to experimental stress analysis techniques, including strain gage installation, instrumentation, and data interpretation
• Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, welding, fabrication, casting, and finishing
• Experience applying engineered products within complex, customer-specific systems or applications

5+ years of 3D CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)

• Experience with FEA and correlation to physical testing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project)

Ability to understand and apply both mechanical and electrical aspects of transducer performance
Ability to translate theoretical analysis into practical, manufacturable designs
Ability to lead projects and mentor team members
Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and voluntary benefits

• 200 hours of paid time off (PTO) plus 10 paid holidays
• Generous retirement plan with company match
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Excellent working conditions in a customer-driven organization

This position requires on-site presence at our Kent, Washington facility; telecommuting is not available. However, reasonable relocation assistance is available.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities