Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation / Critical Design / SolidWorks)
Design the Next Generation of Custom Automation.
Are you a Mechanical Design Engineer with experience designing custom automation equipment? Do you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and seeing your designs built into fully functional machines?
AeroSpec is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of custom automation systems for customers in the semiconductor, medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys critical design work, thrives in a fast-paced engineering environment, and wants ownership from concept through commissioning.
- Design custom automated machinery and mechanical systems using SolidWorks.
- Develop complete machine concepts from customer requirements through production release.
- Design equipment utilizing robotics, precision motion systems, conveyors, laser systems, dial tables, vision systems, gantries, servo systems, pneumatics, dispense systems, cleanroom equipment, welding systems, and material handling solutions.
- Create detailed part, assembly, and manufacturing drawings using sound GD&T and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack-up analysis, component selection, and machine design analysis.
- Develop machine layouts, functional diagrams, timing charts, and conceptual designs for customer proposals.
- Evaluate technical risks and engineer practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Support builds, prototype development, troubleshooting, debugging, and system integration on the manufacturing floor.
- Conduct design reviews with customers, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
- Collaborate with controls, electrical, software, machining, production, and project management throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage design schedules while balancing quality, manufacturability, project scope, and budget.
- Mentor junior engineers and help establish engineering standards and best practices.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) and at least 3 years of relevant experience, OR
- A minimum of 7 years of directly related mechanical design experience in lieu of a four-year degree.
- Demonstrated experience designing custom automation equipment, industrial machinery, special machines, capital equipment, robotics, or other complex electromechanical systems.
- Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks including:
- Part modeling
- Large assemblies
- Drawings
- Configurations
- Strong understanding of:
- Precision machined components
- Tooling and fixtures
- Weldments
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Bearings, power transmission, and mechanical assemblies
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and machine shop practices.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple engineering priorities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Candidates with experience in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
- Custom automation equipment
- Robotics integration
- Motion control systems
- Servo systems
- Machine vision
- Laser processing equipment
- Material handling systems
- Conveyors and indexing systems
- Pneumatic system design
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Design for Assembly (DFA)
- FEA or machine design analysis
- Agile/Scrum development
- PDM/EDM document management systems
- Hands-on machining, fabrication, assembly, or machine build experience
- Experience mentoring or leading other engineers
At AeroSpec, you'll work on one-of-a-kind automation systems—not repetitive product designs. Every project presents new engineering challenges and opportunities to expand your technical expertise.
You'll enjoy:
- Designing custom automation equipment from concept through commissioning
- Working alongside experienced engineers, machinists, controls engineers, software developers, and machine builders
- Seeing your designs come to life on the manufacturing floor
- Exposure to a wide variety of advanced manufacturing technologies
- A collaborative, team-oriented engineering culture
- Opportunities for technical growth, mentoring, and career advancement
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Weekly pay
- Employer-paid medical plans with buy-up options
- Employer-paid dental and vision coverage
- Employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- 401(k) with generous company match
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Tuition assistance
- Professional development and continuing education
- Mentoring and career growth opportunities
This is a full-time, on-site engineering position based in Chandler, Arizona. Engineers spend time both in the office and on the manufacturing floor supporting builds, integration, testing, and continuous improvement efforts. Occasional travel (up to approximately 20%) may be required. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is required due to certain government contract requirements.
About AeroSpec
Founded in 1982, AeroSpec is a leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of custom automation and production equipment for advanced technology industries. Over the past four decades, we have designed and built more than 1,000 custom manufacturing and test systems, helping customers solve complex production challenges through innovative engineering and integrated manufacturing solutions. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in mechanical design, controls engineering, precision machining, machine vision, robotics, laser integration, high-speed motion control, and custom metrology to deliver world-class automation systems. Learn more about our company and capabilities at www.aerospecinc.com
Skills Required
- 10+ years of mechanical design experience (automation or complex equipment preferred)
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling, assemblies, drawings)
- Experience with precision machined parts
- Experience with tooling and fixturing
- Experience with weldments and sheet metal
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and machine shop practices
- Ability to design and analyze complex mechanical systems
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Able to manage priorities and meet project schedules
- Hands-on background (machining, fabrication, or machine build)
- Experience with PDM/EDM systems
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum environments
- Previous leadership or mentoring experience
What We Do
AeroSpec, Inc. delivers custom automation and control systems for industries embracing advanced manufacturing, offering services from design and engineering to machining, assembly, and support. They specialize in precision machining, turnkey robotic systems, and engineered automation equipment.
