Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $70 to $85k

Sponsorship: Position is not eligible for sponsorship. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, L/S Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401K, and paid vacation and holidays.

Job Summary

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing and advancing the manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and adherence to industry standards. In this dynamic position, you will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of the production cycle, contributing to your expertise in engineering and manufacturing to enhance overall productivity.

In this dynamic position, attention to detail is paramount as you take on the responsibility of not only optimizing current product lines but also actively seeking and implementing engineering solutions to address customer challenges. This involves a thorough examination of manufacturing processes, materials, and design specifications to ensure that our products not only meet but exceed industry standards. Your role will also entail actively engaging with customer feedback and challenges. Through a collaborative approach with the customer support and design teams, you will analyze customer issues, understand their unique requirements, and develop innovative engineering solutions. This may involve redesigning components, optimize manufacturing processes, or propose alternative materials to address specific customer needs. You will also need to ensure strict adherence to product dimensions and tolerances specified in engineering drawings. A collaborative and team-oriented approach will be essential in achieving production goals and maintaining the highest standards of quality.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Embrace and exemplify company’s core values of Trust, Support, Communication, Collaboration, and Creative Solutions.
• Responsible for supporting manufacturing processes, work order creation, part drawings, custom product design; applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, tooling, assembly, and materials.
• Participate in generation of intellectual property (IP) ideas. Recognize and document new technology and submit for possible Patent Application. Submit ideas for "unrivaled features" which could significantly improve market share, profitability, etc. Complete documentation and reports for testing and regulatory submissions.
• Define, develop, evaluate, and verify designs to meet product requirement and cost targets by conducting design reviews and ensure proper objectives are established for the Project by utilizing continuous improvement techniques.
• Specify material characterization methods, facilitate measurement activities, and apply results toward process and product development.
• Develop drawings, design parts, specify components, route systems (mechanical/hydraulic), and create assemblies utilizing 3D CAD, appropriate USAI Engineering Standards, and ISO Standards.
• Communicate effectively; write clear concise memo's including drafts of technical documentation such as parts and service diagrams, operation manuals, and shop manuals. Submit technical documents summarizing design studies and quality confirmation check sheets.
• Discuss, negotiate, and resolve specification issues with manufacturing and suppliers during prototype development and pre-series production. Understand and accommodate manufacturing capabilities and limitations. Resolve all issues with effective countermeasures and follow-up documentation.
• Support the department in maintaining effective engineering change control by preparing and processing appropriate engineering release letters, release drawings, and supporting technical information into Bills of Material using appropriate software such as AutoCAD and/or Solid Works.
• Maintain accurate and complete project records; document progress in detailed reports which indicate audit, verification, and validation of processes and designs.
• Support Manufacturing and Quality departments by resolving problems, determining root cause with effective documentation, and countermeasure planning based on engineering disciplines.
• Interface with multiple functional disciplines for design input, requirements, and potential solutions to problems with other USAI Engineering staff and suppliers including exchange of technical information and policies.
• Participate in corrective action teams, as necessary to resolve product issues by performing root cause analysis and problem resolution related to assigned design responsibilities.
• Provide input to project schedules, timelines, and resource requirements for completion of assigned design work.
• Design and implement process fixtures, tooling, jigs, manuals, and training documents for processes and assembly procedures.
• Provide manufacturing decision-making information by calculating and analyzing production, labor, and material costs; reviewing production schedules; estimating future requirements.
• Analyze and optimize existing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall product quality and delivery time.
• Develop and optimize CNC machining programs for precision manufacturing. Operate CNC equipment to produce high-quality components.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control procedures, conduct regular inspections to ensure products meet defined specifications and tolerances.
• Drive continuous improvement projects, identifying opportunities for innovation, waste reduction, workflow planning, and increased productivity. Implement solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, and quality assurance, to address challenges, implement design changes, and ensure seamless coordination across departments.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of manufacturing processes, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flowcharts, and technical specifications. Generate regular reports on production performance and key metrics.
• Provide guidance and training to junior engineers or new team members. Share knowledge and best practices with colleagues to enhance the overall skill level of the team.
• Execute various tasks, as assigned by your manager, supervisor, or company officer; whether within your standard duties or as requested beyond regular responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or related engineering field required.

Work Experience

• 2 - 5 years of previous mechanical, manufacturing, product designing, and/or industrial engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing process environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of Epicor Kinetic is highly recommended.
• Experience with BOMs and MOMs for MRP preferred.
• Proficiency in engineering principles including but not limited to structural mechanics, hydraulics, heat transfer, electricity, ergonomics, and data management.
• Proficiency in software applications including 3D CAD (Pro Engineer Wildfire 2.0 or 4.0, AutoCAD, and Solid Works), Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point, as a minimum.
• Knowledge of designing tube plugs and other flow control products and instruments is preferred.
• Experience with high pressure equipment design and testing is a must.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of current engineering methodologies, standards, innovative approaches, and deep understanding of industry best practices.
• Knowledge of engineering standards in drawing practice, dimensioning, and metrology tolerances, drawing symbols, welding practice, etc.
• Familiarity with standard engineering concepts, practices, and procedures with CNC machines and other manufacturing shop machinery is essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit at a desk or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, bend, stoop, push, and pull.
• Good visual acuity to process reports and review drawings, designs, or blueprints.
• Office located on second floor, must be able to climb up and down stairs daily.