Mechanical Design Engineer I
Grand Rapids, MI
Mechanical Design Engineer I
Entry-level mechanical design work for environmental test chambers, preparing layouts, drawings, BOMs, print packs, and design updates with minimal periodic travel. Requires a mechanical engineering degree or equivalent experience, 1-3 years’ experience, SolidWorks/PTC Creo, and AutoCAD.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER I
Level 1 | Environmental Test Chamber Engineering
Reports To: Mechanical Engineering Team Leader
Department: Engineering
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Direct Report: None
Travel: Minimal / periodic, as business needs require
Position Summary
The Mechanical Engineer I is an entry-level role responsible for developing mechanical designs and production documentation for WNA's environmental test chambers. Following established standards and leveraging proven designs, the engineer prepares layouts, drawings, bills of material, print packs, and related documentation. Through collaboration with Design Engineering and engagement with manufacturing operations, the engineer builds practical knowledge of chamber design, manufacturability, cost, quality, and serviceability while developing the skills needed for continued professional growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Additional Qualifications
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Job Description Acknowledgment
This job description summarizes the primary duties and qualifications for the position. It is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of every responsibility. Duties may be adjusted based on business needs, project assignments, and management direction.
Level 1 | Environmental Test Chamber Engineering
Reports To: Mechanical Engineering Team Leader
Department: Engineering
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Direct Report: None
Travel: Minimal / periodic, as business needs require
Position Summary
The Mechanical Engineer I is an entry-level role responsible for developing mechanical designs and production documentation for WNA's environmental test chambers. Following established standards and leveraging proven designs, the engineer prepares layouts, drawings, bills of material, print packs, and related documentation. Through collaboration with Design Engineering and engagement with manufacturing operations, the engineer builds practical knowledge of chamber design, manufacturability, cost, quality, and serviceability while developing the skills needed for continued professional growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with chamber layouts, sheet-metal parts, weldments, and mounting details.
- Prepare drawings, BOMs, submittals, print packs, and design updates.
- Support mechanical interfaces with refrigeration, electrical, controls, utilities, and facilities.
- Review specifications, inputs, and calculations with guidance.
- Coordinate basic requirements with internal teams, customers, vendors, and project managers.
- Apply standard mechanical design practices to support manufacturable designs.
- Assist Manufacturing with documentation, build questions, and design updates.
- Prepare customer, vendor, shipping, installation, and facility-interface drawings.
- Participate in design reviews, corrective actions, standardization, and improvement efforts.
- Maintain accurate records in engineering, PDM, and ERP/MRP systems.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 1-3 years of experience in mechanical design, drafting, or manufacturing.
- Experience with SolidWorks and/or PTC Creo in designing sheet-metal based models
- AutoCAD experience with layouts and fabrication drawings.
- Working knowledge of sheet metal, fabrication, weldments, tolerances, fastening, and assembly
- Able to read, interpret, and write technical instructions, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Ability to solve problems, evaluate data, make controlled design corrections, and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Additional Qualifications
- PDM and ERP/MRP experience; Windchill and SAP a plus
- Refrigeration, thermal, electrical, controls, or integration exposure.
- Support engineering changes, BOM updates, production documents, and shop-floor issues.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Mostly desk-based work with periodic movement through production, test, file, and office areas.
- Includes extended computer use, data entry, and review of detailed technical information.
- Requires occasional physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lb., climbing, bending, and squatting.
- Minimal periodic travel may be required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals.
Job Description Acknowledgment
This job description summarizes the primary duties and qualifications for the position. It is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of every responsibility. Duties may be adjusted based on business needs, project assignments, and management direction.