Mechanical Design Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Design Engineer for our client. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and improving mechanical components and systems for a comprehensive range of fire suppression products, including fixed suppression systems, gaseous agent systems, water mist systems, and suppression hardware. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and sales to deliver innovative, code-compliant solutions that protect lives and property.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development: Design, develop, and modify mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for fire suppression products using Autodesk Inventor.

• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and technical documentation in accordance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.

• Engineering Analysis: Perform engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, stress analyses, and feasibility studies to validate designs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly, and cost.

• Compliance & Standards: Support product testing, certification, and compliance activities with NFPA, UL, FM Global, and other applicable standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement design improvements and cost reduction opportunities in existing product lines.

• Project Management: Manage and execute multiple engineering projects simultaneously while meeting scope, schedule, and budget requirements.

• Manufacturing Support: Support production floor activities, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and provide technical guidance to production staff.

• Validation & Testing: Participate in design reviews, prototype builds, and field evaluations to validate new designs.

• Data Management: Maintain organized revision-controlled documentation within the company system.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related field or experience in lieu of degree will be considered

• Minimum 3–5 years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor (3D solid modeling, assemblies, drawings, and iLogic/iParts); experience with Vault or other PDM systems a plus.

• Strong working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and engineering drawing practices.

• Familiarity with metal fabrication processes including sheet metal, casting, forging, machining, and welding.

• Experience with pressure vessel or piping component design preferred.

• Understanding of fire suppression systems, fire protection standards (NFPA 10, NFPA 12, NFPA 15, NFPA 750, UL/FM), or related safety systems is highly desirable.

• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, codes, and standards.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT certification.

• Experience with FEA software (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or equivalent).

• Familiarity with AutoCAD for 2D layout drawings.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and DFM/DFA methodologies.

• Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment.

• Exposure to hydraulic flow analysis or fluid dynamics in suppression system design.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility. The employee will occasionally be required to enter production and warehouse areas, which may involve exposure to machinery, elevated noise levels, and varying temperatures. The role may require occasional travel to customer sites, trade shows, or supplier facilities (up to 10%).

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

• Ability to walk production floors and visit manufacturing areas as needed.

Staff DFW is seeking talented, reliable individuals.