
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation at Axis Automation (Walker Michigan, United States)
Axis Automation· Walker Michigan, United States·
Job description
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Custom Automation & Machine Design
Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.
We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, leading projects, and bringing innovative automation concepts to life.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design innovative custom automation equipment, machine assemblies, and tooling using SolidWorks.
- Lead mechanical design efforts from concept through manufacturing, assembly, testing, and customer startup.
- Collaborate with Controls Engineers, Machine Builders, Project Managers, and Manufacturing teams to deliver complete automation solutions.
- Develop robust, manufacturable designs while balancing performance, reliability, cost, and ease of assembly.
- Review customer requirements and transform concepts into practical automation solutions.
- Troubleshoot mechanical design challenges during assembly, integration, and commissioning, developing effective long-term solutions.
- Work directly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, evaluate components, and support successful project execution.
- Mentor junior mechanical engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
- Identify opportunities to improve engineering standards, design practices, and overall project efficiency.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in custom automation, machine design, or industrial equipment.
- Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
- Experience designing custom machinery, automation systems, or industrial equipment.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing processes, and machine design best practices.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and customers.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- A passion for mentoring others and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with robotic integration and automated manufacturing systems.
- Knowledge of pneumatic systems, servo-driven mechanisms, and motion systems.
- Experience supporting projects through machine build, integration, and customer startup.
- Previous experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred.
Benefits:
- Exposure to a wide variety of projects across multiple industries.
- Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire.
- Collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities for career growth.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000
Why work at Axis Automation
- Culture: Described as “powerhouse team with exceptional project execution” and a “collaborative culture”; employee reviews on LinkedIn rate culture 5.0/5.0 and career opportunities 4.4/5.0.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package with immediate eligibility upon hire.
- Career Development: Strong promotion-from-within philosophy; co-op/internship pipeline to full-time roles.
- Work Environment: Offices in Grand Rapids, MI; no explicit remote/hybrid policy mentioned, likely on-site given the hands-on nature of automation engineering.
- Team: Small but tight-knit (51 employees) with experienced leadership across engineering, project management, and applications.