Design Engineer
About The Position
This is a contract Design Engineer role with a Nashville-based organisation. The engineer will create, develop, and refine mechanical designs and engineering drawings that meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets. The role supports multiple projects, maintaining design integrity through accurate CAD models, GD&T application, and informed materials selection. The work contributes directly to product quality, reliability, and project delivery timelines. The role involves hands-on design ownership and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions on time and to specification. The engineer will manage design tasks and mini-projects, contribute to design reviews, and address design issues arising during prototyping and production.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Mechanical or Design Engineer, with a strong focus on engineering drawing creation and mechanical design.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and 2D drafting using SolidWorks and at least one of AutoCAD or Inventor.
- Solid working knowledge of GD&T and its application to production drawings.
- Strong understanding of materials selection, engineering properties, and their impact on design performance and manufacturability.
- Ability to manage design tasks within project timelines, including prioritisation and coordination of work.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to align design intent with manufacturing and operational constraints.
- Ability to interpret and work from engineering specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
- Effective communication skills for presenting design concepts and documenting design decisions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Professional experience in mechanical design and CAD modelling in an industrial or product development setting.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a contract or consultancy environment with multiple concurrent projects.
- Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
- Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or other engineering analysis tools to support design validation.
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical products.
- Background in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives related to product design.
- Formal training or certification in GD&T application.
- Additional CAD certifications in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor.
Responsibilities
- Develop detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Inventor in line with project requirements.
- Produce complete engineering drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T for manufacturing and inspection.
- Translate functional and performance requirements into practical mechanical design solutions and modifications.
- Select materials and define engineering properties to meet structural, thermal, and durability requirements.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective.
- Manage assigned design tasks and mini-projects, including planning, progress tracking, and reporting against milestones.
- Support design reviews, provide technical input, and incorporate feedback to refine and optimise designs.
- Resolve design-related issues during prototyping and production by implementing corrective actions and design improvements.
