Mechanical Tool Designer

Location: Lewis Center, OH
Job Type: Contract
Experience: 5–7 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Tool Designer with strong expertise in manufacturing automation, machine design, tooling, material handling, and high-speed automation systems. The ideal candidate will be proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD and experienced in designing production-ready mechanical systems, fixtures, tooling, conveyors, and automated equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing automation systems, assembly automation, machine integration, and process optimization solutions.

• Design conveyor systems, material handling equipment, transfer mechanisms, and SPMs.

• Develop pick-and-place systems using pneumatic, servo, and robotic technologies.

• Design and integrate robotic automation for assembly, machine tending, packaging, inspection, and material handling.

• Design jigs, fixtures, tooling, and inspection equipment for manufacturing and assembly processes.

• Develop high-speed automation lines and select appropriate components.

• Perform engineering calculations involving strength of materials, speed, horsepower, force, pressure, temperature, and other machine-design parameters.

• Prepare working drawings, detail drawings, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

• Select standard mechanical components such as LM Guides, servo motors, sensors, pneumatic components, and other purchased parts.

• Evaluate designs for compliance with OSHA, CE, ISO, and customer-specific standards.

• Review drawings for dimensions, materials, machining methods, finishes, hardness, and manufacturability.

• Coordinate with customers, vendors, fabricators, machinists, toolmakers, electricians, programmers, and engineering teams.

• Support machine debug, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Review machine sequences and operations with controls/programming teams.

• Provide technical guidance and periodically coordinate the work of a 10–12 member design team.

• Communicate project progress, resource requirements, and estimated timelines to project/design management.

• Assist with developing and maintaining mechanical design and department standards.

Required Skills

• 5–7 years of mechanical design/tool design experience

• Bachelor''s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD

• Manufacturing automation and machine design experience

• Experience with high-speed automation line design

• Experience with bowl feeder selection

• Experience with conveyors and material handling equipment

• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, and SPMs

• Knowledge of pneumatic, servo, and robotic systems

• Knowledge of sensor selection and electrical devices such as switches, load cells, and LVDTs

• Knowledge of standard component selection, including LM Guides, servo motors, etc.

• Strong understanding of mechanical design calculations and manufacturing processes

• Ability to conceptualize and develop solutions for complex mechanical design requirements

• Strong communication and team coordination skills

Preferred Background

Candidates from Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Automation, Machine Design, Special Purpose Machinery (SPM), Robotics, Automotive Manufacturing, or similar industries are highly preferred.