Mechanical Engineer

Koch Enterprises•Caledonia, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Koch Finishing Systems is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join its engineering team in Caledonia, Michigan, near Grand Rapids. The company engineers and builds custom automated finishing systems, including automated plating and anodizing lines, material handling systems, process tanks, platforms, and piping, for cleaning, stripping, electroplating, coating, and conversion coating applications across multiple industries. The Mechanical Engineer works on custom capital equipment challenges from concept and engineering calculations through fabrication, installation, and startup. The role translates customer process requirements into functional, manufacturable equipment and collaborates with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated systems. The position includes customer-facing design reviews, occasional travel for customer visits and installation or commissioning support, and field troubleshooting. The role pays $85,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Koch Finishing Systems describes its work as guided by Integrity, Respect for People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Community Involvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
At least 5 years of engineering experience with custom automated machinery, capital equipment, or special machine design; hands-on drafting or design-only experience does not substitute for this requirement.
Demonstrated application of engineering fundamentals, including structural and mechanical analysis, material selection, tolerance stack-up, and failure analysis.
Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, servo or precision motion, and sheet metal or weldment design.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar, used as an engineering tool.
Working knowledge of GD&T and DFM/DFA principles.
Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and assembly.
Strong engineering problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience engineering tanks, platforms, piping, or material handling equipment.
Experience with plating or anodizing process equipment.
PLM/PDM experience.

Responsibilities

Engineer custom automated capital equipment, including plating and anodizing process lines, tanks, platforms, piping, and material handling systems, to meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
Perform engineering calculations and analysis, including structural loads, tank and vessel design, material selection, and corrosion resistance.
Translate customer process requirements and specifications into functional, manufacturable equipment solutions.
Collaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated automated systems.
Own the mechanical engineering scope from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning, including field troubleshooting.
Produce 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings using SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar CAD software.
Evaluate customer requirements, budgets, and timelines to develop effective engineering solutions.
Participate in customer-facing concept and design reviews and represent the technical solution.
Support project scheduling and execution with the Project Management team.