Custom Machine Design Engineer

NOV Inc.•San Antonio, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Fiber Glass Systems Custom Machine Design Engineer III role involves developing custom, one-off equipment such as CNC winders and electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven machinery. Responsibilities include the design, fabrication, installation, startup, and troubleshooting of specialized equipment. Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD is required for producing detailed shop fabrication drawings with accurate engineering tolerances and manufacturability considerations. Experience with automation, PLC systems, hydraulics, and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection—is considered a strong asset.

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude with deep technical expertise; performs FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection
Solves complex, cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
Strong ability to interpret data and provide actionable recommendations
Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and the ability to understand and apply complex engineering and design principles
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline required (Master’s preferred)
5-10+ years of experience in the custom equipment design field
Owns full project or machine system design from concept through commissioning
Works independently with minimal supervision as project lead
Deep technical expertise in FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection
Makes design and procurement decisions and signs off on engineering deliverables
Reviews and approves others’ work while developing standards and best practices
Creates detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks, requiring minimal supervision
Regularly leads vendor interactions, including specification, cost, and schedule discussions
Experience in solving complex, cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
Experience working with shop fabrication and machining processes
Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic system design
Experience with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
Performs structural and thermal calculations
Skilled in tolerance analysis and problem solving

Nice To Haves

Experience in composite manufacturing is a plus
Experience with composite, plastic, and sheet metal product design preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides project leadership in the engineering of custom machine designs based on technical specifications to optimize equipment performance and manufacturing processes.
Collaborate with product design engineering to define technical specifications that best utilize equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques.
Prototype new processes and/or equipment to support product manufacturing.
Translate performance requirements into detailed specifications for process, equipment development, or engineering projects.
Analyze and optimize industrial processes to maximize equipment efficiency, including layout and equipment placement.
Recommend process and equipment improvements, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices.
Collaborate with electrical engineers to manage specifications and integration for equipment automation.
Work with product design engineering to ensure alignment between product requirements and equipment design specifications.
Design test equipment and develop procedures for evaluating product performance and reliability.
Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source components, fabrication, machining, and assembly of equipment.
Prepare and approve comprehensive technical packages, including detailed mechanical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical data sheets, design specifications, and calculations for technical tender documentation.
Estimate costs and prepare or submit bids for engineering, construction, and installation projects.
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of machines or equipment, ensuring compliance with design and performance specifications.
Budget, track, and report project costs and schedules to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
Contribute to laboratory prototyping and manufacturing activities as required.
Investigate equipment failures or operational issues to diagnose root causes and recommend design modifications or corrective actions.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
Perform other related duties as assigned.