Mechanical Engineer

Innovation First International, Inc. • Greenville, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

VEX Robotics is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join its mechanical design and product development team in the VEX Robotics division. This in-person role in Greenville, Texas, involves designing, prototyping, testing, and releasing high-volume mechanical components for production, including injection-molded plastics, metal structures, gearing mechanisms, and electromechanical assemblies for educational and competition robotics.

The engineer will take products from initial concept through production release, applying 3D CAD modeling, design for manufacturing and assembly, structural analysis, and rapid prototyping to develop durable, intuitive hardware. The role also involves validating designs through testing, supporting manufacturing and tooling activities, and collaborating with electrical engineering, firmware, industrial design, vendors, manufacturers, and production teams. VEX Robotics creates STEM education and competitive robotics products, as part of Innovation First International.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years of professional mechanical engineering experience designing consumer products, educational hardware, or electromechanical devices brought to volume production.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drafting; SolidWorks is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of plastic injection molding design, tooling constraints, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Hands-on prototyping, physical bench testing, and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with gear design, motor integration, mechanism design, or dynamic structural systems.
• Background in robotics, mechatronics, or high-volume consumer hardware.
• Hands-on familiarity with the VEX Robotics ecosystem, including VEX IQ, VEX V5, VEX GO, or VEX EXP, through professional experience or competitive robotics participation.

Responsibilities

• Design and model detailed mechanical parts and assemblies in 3D CAD from initial concept through production release.
• Design components for plastic injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, die casting, drive trains, structural framing, and gear systems.
• Apply design for manufacturing, design for assembly, and design for reliability principles to improve product quality and lower unit costs.
• Perform mechanical engineering calculations, tolerance stack-up analyses, and finite element analysis to validate structural integrity and performance.
• Create and maintain 2D engineering drawings with GD&T specifications, bills of materials, and engineering change orders.
• Build functional prototypes using FDM/SLA 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and benchtop assembly.
• Design, conduct, and document bench testing, life-cycle durability tests, drop testing, and failure analysis.
• Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance standards for K–12 and collegiate user environments.
• Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Firmware, and Industrial Design teams to package electromechanical subassemblies, motors, sensors, and cable routing.
• Work with tooling vendors, domestic and overseas manufacturers, and internal production teams to review tooling designs, inspect first-article samples, and resolve manufacturing defects.
• Participate in mechanical design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and project timeline tracking.

Benefits

• Free $25,000 Employee Life/AD&D Insurance.
• Medical, dental, vision, voluntary life/AD&D, disability, accident, and critical illness insurance plan options.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Paid vacation time.
• Free lunch catered daily.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level