The Role
Design and develop mechanical systems and assemblies for Variable Message Sign (VMS) products with a DFM focus. Create and maintain SolidWorks models, drawings, and BOMs; manage PDMWorks data and automation; perform FEA and support prototype builds, production ramp, field installations, and cross-functional integration with manufacturing, electrical, and software teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
Location: Skyline Products, Colorado Springs, CO
Department: Mechanical Engineer III
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 annually, based on experience
Job Requisition: Mechanical Designer (DFM Focus) – Variable Message Sign (VMS) Systems
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Mechanical Designer with strong Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience to support the development of Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems used in Department of Transportation (DOT) applications. This role will work closely with manufacturing, electrical, and software teams to ensure designs are robust, cost-effective, and optimized for production and field deployment.Key Responsibilities:
Department: Mechanical Engineer III
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 annually, based on experience
Job Requisition: Mechanical Designer (DFM Focus) – Variable Message Sign (VMS) Systems
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Mechanical Designer with strong Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience to support the development of Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems used in Department of Transportation (DOT) applications. This role will work closely with manufacturing, electrical, and software teams to ensure designs are robust, cost-effective, and optimized for production and field deployment.Key Responsibilities:
- Design and develop mechanical systems and assemblies for VMS products, including enclosures, mounting structures, and environmental protection features
- Apply DFM principles to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, cost, and quality
- Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using SolidWorks
- Manage design data, revisions, and workflows within PDMWorks, including configuration control and release processes
- Develop and maintain SOLIDWORKS macros and PDMWorks automation tools to efficiently scale product designs (e.g., resizing sign dimensions, updating configurations, and auto-generating drawings/BOMs) while ensuring consistency, reducing manual effort, and maintaining configuration control across product variants
- Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SOLIDWORKS Simulation to evaluate structural integrity, thermal performance, and stress/strain characteristics of designs, ensuring products meet durability, safety, and environmental requirements prior to release
- Work directly with manufacturing teams to resolve design issues, support builds, and drive continuous improvement
- Support prototype builds, production ramp, and validation testing (environmental and field conditions)
- Collaborate with electrical and software teams to ensure proper integration of system components
- Generate and maintain BOMs, assembly documentation, and work instructions
- Participate in design reviews and implement feedback from cross-functional stakeholders
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong experience with SolidWorks (part modeling, assemblies, and drawings)
- Experience using PDMWorks (or similar PDM systems) for revision control and data management
- Demonstrated experience applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
- Experience working directly with manufacturing or production teams
- Strong understanding of materials, fabrication methods (sheet metal, weldments, machining), and assembly processes
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Experience issuing and following through on ECO design changes
- Experience designing outdoor or industrial products (IP-rated enclosures, thermal management, durability)
- Familiarity with DOT or transportation-related products (e.g., signage, traffic systems)
- Basic understanding of electrical systems, including AC/DC power, UART, and Ethernet integration
- Experience with structural standards, AASHTO’s preferred
- Experience supporting production issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Experience with Computational-Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis in SOLIDWORKS to evaluate airflow and thermal performance of designs
- Hands-on collaboration with manufacturing and production teams
- Combination of design work and shop-floor engagement
- Occasional support for field installations or issue resolution
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Direct impact on production quality and efficiency of critical infrastructure products
- Collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment
- Opportunity to influence both design and manufacturing processes
Skills Required
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong experience with SolidWorks (part modeling, assemblies, and drawings)
- Experience using PDMWorks (or similar PDM systems) for revision control and data management
- Demonstrated experience applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
- Experience working directly with manufacturing or production teams
- Strong understanding of materials and fabrication methods (sheet metal, weldments, machining) and assembly processes
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Experience issuing and following through on ECO/design changes
- Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings
- Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- Develop and maintain SOLIDWORKS macros and PDMWorks automation tools
- Experience designing outdoor or industrial products (IP-rated enclosures, thermal management, durability)
- Familiarity with DOT or transportation-related products (signage, traffic systems)
- Basic understanding of electrical systems, including AC/DC power, UART, and Ethernet integration
- Experience with structural standards (AASHTO preferred)
- Experience supporting production issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Experience with Computational-Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis in SOLIDWORKS
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The Company
What We Do
Skyline Products manufactures electronic price signs and transportation systems that are Designed to be Bold, Engineered to Last. Since 1970, Skyline has invested heavily in research and development to create the most legible and reliable price signs and transportation systems in the industry. Fully designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, CO, our industry-exclusive technologies provide superior display feedback, unmatched brightness control, exceptional full-bodied digits, advanced energy efficiency, and military-grade durability. Additionally, Skyline provides customers with price-change confirmation, true message display verification feedback, and the most advanced sign diagnostics on the market. Learn more at www.SkylineProducts.com.
