Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, Big Machines

About the team

Big Machines designs and builds custom equipment for our factories and processing plants. Most of what we make can’t be bought from a vendor, so we figure out how to design, build, and commission it ourselves. The scale is big. A full kiln system may weigh 100+ tons and be over 30m long.

We are looking for an engineer who has owned machinery from concept through commissioning. You have built things that failed and learned the hard lessons. You work from first principles when there is no precedent to lean on, run your own analysis, and you hold a high standard for detail without losing the ability to execute.

Responsibilities

Own the design, build, and commissioning of low-volume, custom integrated machines

Perform engineering hand calculations and finite element analysis to size structures and mechanisms

Create detailed models and engineering prints in SolidWorks, including managing large assemblies and drawing packages

Collaborate with internal fabrication teams and external vendors to manufacture parts

Support machine assembly and testing by performing hands-on commissioning, equipment operation, and floor troubleshooting

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline

5+ years of professional experience designing and analyzing mechanical structures, mechanisms, or industrial equipment

Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or Creo

Strong understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience designing and fabricating welded structures

Experience designing and testing mechanical mechanisms

Experience managing large CAD assembly models and engineering drawings

Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Experience integrating servos, actuators, and sensors

Hands-on experience working in a production facility with heavy equipment and industrial machinery

In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is listed below. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.

California Pay Range:

$147,500—$235,000 USD