Mechanical Engineer
About the Role
Location: Sterling, MA
Compensation: Wide range intended to reflect considerations for varied levels of experience
An established and growing Automation Systems Integrator specialising in custom machine building and systems integration is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join its team in Sterling, MA. This is a high-impact role suited to an individual who thrives in a project-driven environment and is capable of owning mechanical design from concept through commissioning, while managing schedules and budgets and maintaining confident, professional relationships with vendors and customers.
Key Responsibilities
Design:
Lead and execute 3D CAD design work using OnShape, including detailed part and assembly modelling, drawing packages, and design-for-manufacturability reviews.
BOM Management:
Create, maintain, and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) for active projects across all phases - from concept through build and commissioning. Ensure accuracy and version control throughout the project lifecycle.
Design Standards:
Apply and uphold internal and industry-standard best practices relative to engineering design across mechanical systems, including material selection, tolerancing, fastener practices, and vendor component specifications. Contribute to the ongoing refinement of internal standards documentation.
Custom Part Quoting:
Solicit, evaluate, and manage quotes from fabrication and machining vendors for custom parts and assemblies. Assess lead times, quality, and cost competitiveness; make recommendations and coordinate order placement.
Budget and Schedule Execution:
Execute projects to planned budget and schedule. Track mechanical hours and material spend against estimates, flag variances early, and actively participate in project reviews and corrective planning.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with controls engineers, assembly technicians, and project managers to ensure mechanical designs are integration-ready and support on-time machine delivery.
Customer Site Support:
Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and, as needed, support field installation and commissioning at customer sites.
System Analysis and Troubleshooting:
Conduct thorough system analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to guarantee optimal operation and performance of automation systems.
Technical Support and Training:
Provide expert technical support and training to engineers, technicians, and customers, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and tools to operate systems effectively.
Compliance and Safety:
Ensure that all projects meet regulatory standards and adhere to strict safety requirements.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline required.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of mechanical engineering experience in an automation, custom machine building, or systems integration environment. Broad exposure across multiple industries is a strong plus.
CAD Proficiency:
Hands-on experience with OnShape (or an equivalent parametric CAD platform) is required. OnShape experience is strongly preferred.
BOM & Documentation:
Demonstrated ability to manage structured BOMs and mechanical drawing packages throughout the full project lifecycle.
Vendor & Procurement Knowledge:
Experience quoting custom fabricated and machined parts, critically reviewing vendor quotes, and managing supplier relationships.
Project Execution:
Proven track record of delivering mechanical work on time and within budget in a project-based or job-shop environment. Familiarity with change order processes is an advantage.
Small-Shop Mindset:
Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving environment where engineers are self-directed, wear multiple hats, and take ownership of outcomes. Prior experience working at a small integrator or custom machine builder is strongly preferred.
Communication:
Clear and direct communication skills when interacting with internal teams, customers, and vendors.
Work Environment
- Daily work performed in an office or shop floor environment
- Occasional field or service work at customer locations may require overnight travel, extended hours, and evening or weekend work in a production or manufacturing environment
Core Values
- Champion the Customer: Build partnerships, do what is right, and win together
- Own It: Take accountability, find solutions, and drive results
- Deliver Excellence: Take pride in work, demonstrate expertise, and maintain attention to detail
- Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous growth
- Stronger Together: Show respect, support teammates, and foster a collaborative environment
Partnership Overview
This organisation is part of a broader automation platform backed by a private equity group, designed to serve North American manufacturers with advanced automation and integration solutions. As part of this platform, there is access to expanded resources and sister-company capabilities in panel fabrication, SCADA/MES, machine vision, and robotics. This enables engineers to take on technically demanding projects across industries including food & beverage, life sciences, aerospace & defence, and more.
Why Join
Engineers are trusted to take ownership of their work and design systems that solve real-world customer challenges, seeing projects through from concept to completion. The organisation offers:
- Competitive salary with annual bonus potential and opportunities for career growth
- A collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where individual contributions and decisions matter
- Exposure to diverse industries and machine types, ensuring no two projects are the same
- A team that values craftsmanship
FAQs
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