Mechanical Design Engineer - Sheet Metal & Fixtures

Vegazva Group • Contract • Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States • $45 - $50 / hour • 1d ago

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with 5–15 years of expertise in designing sheet metal components, welding fixtures, and trailer assemblies using SolidWorks. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in the trailer manufacturing industry and a strong understanding of U.S. engineering standards, manufacturing processes, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

The candidate will be responsible for developing innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable designs while collaborating with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and production.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop trailer components, sub-assemblies, and complete trailer systems using SolidWorks.
Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, and BOMs.
Design sheet metal parts, welded structures, and manufacturing fixtures.
Develop production fixtures, welding jigs, assembly fixtures, and inspection fixtures.
Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and cost optimization principles.
Prepare engineering documentation, GD&T, tolerance stack-up analyses, and manufacturing drawings.
Coordinate with manufacturing teams to resolve production and quality issues.
Support prototype builds, design validation, and engineering change requests (ECR/ECO).
Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. industry standards and customer specifications.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement design improvements for product performance and manufacturability.
Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
5–15 years of mechanical design experience in the trailer manufacturing industry.
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (Parts, Assemblies, Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Drawings).
Strong experience designing sheet metal components and fabrication drawings.
Experience designing welding fixtures, assembly fixtures, and manufacturing tooling.
Strong understanding of fabrication processes including laser cutting, bending, welding, machining, and assembly.
Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and engineering drawing standards.
Experience with BOM creation, revision control, and engineering change management.
Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with FEA and design validation.
Knowledge of trailer suspension systems, chassis structures, axles, hitches, braking systems, and structural steel fabrication.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
Familiarity with APQP, FMEA, DFMEA, and PFMEA.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Pay: $45.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits: