Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

ATC Automation•Simi Valley, CA

4d•$120 - $140

About The Position

ATC Automation is seeking a hands-on, innovative Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical development of custom automation machinery and tooling systems. The role is based at the company's Simi Valley, California location; remote opportunities may be considered for highly qualified candidates, with occasional travel to the Simi Valley facility. Projects range from rapid R&D initiatives to fully integrated, high-speed production systems. The engineer will work directly with customers to define requirements and collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions. The position includes leading mechanical design and development, establishing engineering practices and standards, and coordinating projects with project managers and cross-functional teams. It also involves creating CAD models and manufacturing drawings, mentoring junior engineers, supporting equipment build and commissioning, validating concepts with prototypes, and coordinating with customers, suppliers, and engineering colleagues. Onsite installation, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization support may be needed. ATC Automation has developed custom automation solutions since 1977, serving industries including Life Science, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry. The company describes this position as offering professional development and career advancement opportunities. The stated annual salary range is $120,000 to $140,000.

Requirements

Proven success in custom automation and machine design environments.
Ability to size, specify, and integrate automation peripherals such as actuators, sensors, and vision systems.
Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
Extensive knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, and tolerancing standards (Y14.5M-2009).
Strong understanding of mechanical components, materials, and manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, and sheet metal fabrication.
Working knowledge of controls and automation system fundamentals.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
At least 6 years of hands-on experience designing custom automated machinery.
Experience specifying and troubleshooting pneumatic systems and related components.
Expertise in designing fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling for precision automation and assembly applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
10 or more years of mechanical design experience in custom automation, machine building, or related industries.
Familiarity with compliance standards including CE, NFPA 79, and SEMI S8.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting and improving automated machinery performance.
Experience specifying and integrating machine vision equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, filters, and mounting systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design and development of custom automation systems, mechanisms, and components.
Establish and maintain best practices, design standards, and continuous improvement initiatives for mechanical engineering processes.
Integrate standard and custom automation components, including robotics, actuators, sensors, and vision systems.
Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget, coordinating progress with project managers and cross-functional teams.
Create detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing-ready 2D drawings for fabrication and assembly.
Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and quality oversight.
Provide hands-on support during equipment build, testing, and commissioning.
Design, build, and evaluate mechanical prototypes to validate concepts before production deployment.
Collaborate with controls and software engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to maintain component quality, compatibility, and delivery schedules.
Work directly with customers to refine project requirements and ensure successful system performance.
Support onsite equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization as needed.