Machine Designer

SSOE, Inc.•Midland, MI

2d•$85,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

SSOE is looking to hire a Machine Designer that will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing, detailing, and refining machinery and material handling equipment for complex manufacturing and industrial projects. You will leverage Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD to develop precise 3D models, fabrication weldment details, and 2D production drawings that comply with applicable standards. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and other designers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with process equipment and facility utilities. This role requires you to engage in thorough design reviews, scope change control processes, and risk assessments to uphold quality and safety protocols consistent with SSOE’s project execution standards.Typical projects include the layout and design of automated equipment, such as material handling lines, robotic assembly stations, and custom machine tooling, often interfacing with ductwork and equipment utilities (compressed air, vacuum systems), as well as supporting process PFDs and PIDs to validate equipment fit within manufacturing process flows. You will participate in site visits to validate design intent and troubleshoot installation challenges during construction administration and startup phases. Your ability to interpret utility and process layouts and apply mechanical design calculations will be critical in mitigating downstream operational risks and ensuring manufacturability and maintainability of solutions delivered. AI and Innovation As part of our commitment to innovation, all team members will be trained on Microsoft Copilot and empowered to use it as a core tool in their everyday work.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of mechanical design experience specializing in machine design and material handling equipment within the manufacturing or industrial sectors.
Proficient in AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling, detail drawings, and fabrication documentation.
Demonstrated expertise designing fabrication weldments and structural supports compliant with AWS D1.1 and ANSI machinery safety standards.
Familiar with process and utility layouts, referencing PFDs, PIDs, and plant utility systems to coordinate machine interfaces effectively.
Solid understanding of mechanical design calculations related to load analysis, stress, deflection, and weld integrity.
Experience collaborating with project managers, discipline leads, engineers, and other designers in a multidisciplinary AEC/EPC environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills capable of producing technically rigorous documentation and effectively presenting complex concepts.
Detail-oriented with a proven track record of meeting quality and safety standards under tight project schedules.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SolidWorks as an alternative CAD platform.
Familiarity with other design software such as Navisworks or Plant 3D software and its application in piping and equipment utilities design.
Knowledge of fabrication and assembly processes, commissioning/startup support, and constructability reviews in industrial projects.
Exposure to process piping design, including familiarity with ASME B31.3 code and equipment utility systems such as compressed air, chilled water, or vacuum.
Prior involvement in mentoring junior designers or engineers, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
Strong cost and schedule awareness that contributes to value engineering and optimization efforts on projects.

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design and development of machinery and automated material handling equipment, applying AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor for detailed 3D modeling and 2D fabrication drawings.
Develop design packages for machinery, incorporating ductwork and support structures as specified.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate machine design within overall facility layouts, referencing PIDs, PFDs, and utility schematics to ensure seamless system compatibility.
Conduct thorough QA/QC documentation reviews to ensure deliverables meet SSOE quality standards and external code requirements prior to client submission.
Participate in interdisciplinary design review sessions, incorporating feedback from project management, discipline leads, and client representatives to maintain alignment and manage scope changes.
Conduct site walks to validate equipment installation, perform field inspections, and inform corrective action plans.
Assist in the development of project-specific documentation including BOMs, equipment data sheets, and maintenance manuals.
Utilize version control and change management protocols to track design revisions and maintain project records in compliance with company policies.
Contribute to risk management by identifying potential design or operational hazards and suggesting mitigation strategies during design phases.
Communicate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams, clients, and contractors through clear, concise technical reports, meeting presentations, and written correspondence.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of manufacturing technologies, automation trends, and emerging design tools relevant to machine design and material handling.