Custom Machine Design Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The Fiber Glass Systems Custom Machine Design Engineer III role involves developing custom, one-off equipment such as CNC winders and electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven machinery. Responsibilities include the design, fabrication, installation, startup, and troubleshooting of specialized equipment. Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD is required for producing detailed shop fabrication drawings with accurate engineering tolerances and manufacturability considerations. Experience with automation, PLC systems, hydraulics, and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection—is considered a strong asset.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides project leadership in the engineering of custom machine designs based on technical specifications to optimize equipment performance and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with product design engineering to define technical specifications that best utilize equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques.
• Prototype new processes and/or equipment to support product manufacturing.
• Translate performance requirements into detailed specifications for process, equipment development, or engineering projects.
• Analyze and optimize industrial processes to maximize equipment efficiency, including layout and equipment placement.
• Recommend process and equipment improvements, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to manage specifications and integration for equipment automation.
• Work with product design engineering to ensure alignment between product requirements and equipment design specifications.
• Design test equipment and develop procedures for evaluating product performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source components, fabrication, machining, and assembly of equipment.
• Prepare and approve comprehensive technical packages, including detailed mechanical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical data sheets, design specifications, and calculations for technical tender documentation.
• Estimate costs and prepare or submit bids for engineering, construction, and installation projects.
• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of machines or equipment, ensuring compliance with design and performance specifications.
• Budget, track, and report project costs and schedules to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Contribute to laboratory prototyping and manufacturing activities as required.
• Investigate equipment failures or operational issues to diagnose root causes and recommend design modifications or corrective actions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong mechanical aptitude with deep technical expertise; performs FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection
• Solves complex, cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
• Strong ability to interpret data and provide actionable recommendations
• Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and the ability to understand and apply complex engineering and design principles
• Work may require evening and weekend work 
• REQUIRED - Availability for overnight and international travel 

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline required (Master’s preferred)
• Position is onsite in San Antonio, TX
• Experience in composite manufacturing is a plus
• 5-10+ years of experience in the custom equipment design field
• Owns full project or machine system design from concept through commissioning
• Works independently with minimal supervision as project lead
• Deep technical expertise in FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection
• Makes design and procurement decisions and signs off on engineering deliverables
• Reviews and approves others’ work while developing standards and best practices
• Creates detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks, requiring minimal supervision
• Regularly leads vendor interactions, including specification, cost, and schedule discussions
• Experience in solving complex, cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
• Experience working with shop fabrication and machining processes
• Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic system design
• Experience with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
• Performs structural and thermal calculations
• Skilled in tolerance analysis and problem solving
• Experience with composite, plastic, and sheet metal product design preferred.

 BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Dependability/Attendance- Demonstrates responsibility by proactively communicating schedule changes and ensuring continuity of work.
• Problem Solving/Judgement- Evaluates engineering challenges using logical, evidence-based reasoning. Considers multiple solutions, weighs risks and trade-offs, and makes sound decisions aligned with technical requirements, safety standards, and project objectives.
• Active Listening- Incorporates feedback to improve design outcomes and enhance cross-functional collaboration.
• Critical Thinking- Challenges outdated methods and proposes improvements supported by technical justification.
• Complex Problem Solving- Handles advanced engineering issues involving multivariable constraints, system interactions, and specialized technical requirements. Breaks complex problems into manageable components and integrates solutions that balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Self-manage as project leader- Effectively manages priorities, resources, and timelines while leading technical aspects of projects. Demonstrates ownership of project deliverables, coordinates cross-functional tasks, and ensures alignment without requiring close supervision. Anticipates risks and implements proactive mitigation plans.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Dependability/Attendance- Demonstrates responsibility by proactively communicating schedule changes and ensuring continuity of work.
• Problem Solving/Judgement- Evaluates engineering challenges using logical, evidence-based reasoning. Considers multiple solutions, weighs risks and trade-offs, and makes sound decisions aligned with technical requirements, safety standards, and project objectives.
• Active Listening- Incorporates feedback to improve design outcomes and enhance cross-functional collaboration.
• Critical Thinking- Challenges outdated methods and proposes improvements supported by technical justification.
• Complex Problem Solving- Handles advanced engineering issues involving multivariable constraints, system interactions, and specialized technical requirements. Breaks complex problems into manageable components and integrates solutions that balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Self-manage as project leader- Effectively manages priorities, resources, and timelines while leading technical aspects of projects. Demonstrates ownership of project deliverables, coordinates cross-functional tasks, and ensures alignment without requiring close supervision. Anticipates risks and implements proactive mitigation plans.

NOV offers a competitive benefits package starting first date of employment that includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K savings plan, paid time-off, and starting at 3 weeks of vacation! For more specifics, please visit our benefits page https://usbenefits.nov.com/