Mechanical Design & Prototyping Engineer at Center for… · Watervliet

MECHANICAL DESIGN & PROTOTYPING ENGINEER Location: Watervliet, NY WHERE PEOPLE GET BETTER AT LIFE! Join us in our mission to make a difference and shape a more inclusive future.   About the Role The Health Innovations Incubator & Technology Center (HII Tech) at the Center for Disability Services is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to help bring innovative ideas to life through prototyping and fabrication. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with tools, designing and building real systems, and transforming early-stage concepts into functional, manufacturable prototypes. You enjoy building things that have never existed before. You are comfortable working with ambiguity, rapidly learning new technologies, and moving ideas from concept to functional prototype. You take ownership, enjoy solving practical engineering problems, and thrive in multidisciplinary environments. You’ll play a key role in developing solutions across healthcare, assistive technology, and experimental engineering projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through prototyping to final validation. What You’ll Do • Translate concepts into functional prototype designs • Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies • Operate and support shop equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, mills, saws, and drill presses • Assist with design, machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing • Iteratively refine prototypes based on testing and real-world constraints • Select materials and fabrication methods based on functionality, cost, and manufacturability • Collaborate with electrical, software, and multidisciplinary teams • Maintain clear documentation and organized fabrication workflows • Support transition from concept to prototype to manufacturable and scalable designs   • You will own mechanical subsystems from concept through prototyping and final validation What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field • 2–7 years of hands-on engineering and/or fabrication experience • Experience with CNC machining and shop equipment • Strong background in mechanical prototyping and assembly • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor) • Knowledge of materials selection and fabrication methods • Experience operating CNC mills, lathes, and prototype fabrication equipment • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills • Solid documentation and communication abilities • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) Preferred Qualifications • Experience in rapid prototyping or product development environments • Exposure to healthcare, assistive technology, or experimental systems • Familiarity with 3D printing and mixed-material fabrication • Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams • Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles • Experience taking products from concept through validation   • Masters degree in Engineering • 3+ years of experience working with Autodesk Inventor • Basic Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Structural Analysis, Design optimization Key Skills & Competencies • Strong hands-on design, fabrication and mechanical assembly expertise • Ability to quickly move from idea to working prototype • Detail-oriented with a strong focus on safety and quality • Practical understanding of how products are built and refined • Adaptability in a fast-paced, project-based environment • Clear communication of technical concepts, progress, and risks • Able to thrive in a fast-moving environment Work Environment & Physical Requirements • Fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines • Ability to move efficiently between CAD, fabrication, assembly, testing, and iterative design improvements. • Workshop and prototyping lab environment • Ability to lift up to 15–25 lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, pushing, and pulling • Extended periods working at a computer and with equipment • May require travel to off-site meetings or events Why Join Us? • Work on real-world innovations in healthcare and assistive technology • Highly hands-on engineering environment • Opportunity to build, test, and iterate on meaningful solutions • Collaborating with a multidisciplinary, mission-driven team • Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals supported by the Center • Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage • Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.  • Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays • 401K Retirement Option At The Center for Disability Services, we don't just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and the people we support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices. Compensation Range: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00