Design Engineer at GEM Equipment of Oregon in Mount Angel, OR

Summary

This position is responsible for custom machine design, with a primary focus on meeting customer specifications while adhering to GEM design standards and fabrication capabilities. The Design Engineer will produce detailed fabrication prints using 2D AutoCAD, including sheet metal flat patterns and machining details for required components. Additionally, this role involves participating in design discussions related to current and future equipment development.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for producing clear, easily understood technical drawings.

• Ensure all drawings are accurate and comply with GEM Equipment standards.

• This includes a solid understanding of third-angle projection, section views, bills of materials (BOM), scaling, and proper dimensioning practices.

• Reference and apply standard prints and drawings provided by Engineers, Team Leads, and Project Engineers.

• Take ownership of assigned projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within a reasonable time investment.

• Perform periodic checks on projects during fabrication or assembly in the shop.

• Assist with fieldwork as needed to support installation or troubleshooting efforts.

• Use the company database to retrieve information on specific parts and components.

• Implement design changes based on reference drawings and change lists provided.

• Provide guidance and instructions to Designers when needed.

• Integrate individual components from Designers into complete machine assemblies or layouts.

• Review and verify Designer drawings for accuracy and completeness.

• Use data and engineering calculations to confirm specifications such as belt speeds, power requirements, pipe sizing, and basic stress calculations.

• Collaborate with and seek review from Senior Engineers on technical calculations and design decisions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Expectations

• Consistently demonstrate strong productivity and high-quality workmanship.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with Designers, Engineers, Team Leads, and Project Engineers regarding questions or concerns.
• Collaborate with production teams to address issues, concerns, or design changes in coordination with Designers, Engineers, Team Leads, or Project Engineers.
• Maintain a strong safety record and actively practice safety awareness.
• Locate and reference prior job documentation with minimal assistance.
• Proactively suggest improvements to Engineers, Team Leads, and Project Engineers.
• Maintain positive customer relationships related to machinery or product inquiries.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage projects from a Sales Order through to the completion of a single machine.
• Independently gather necessary information from customers to confirm dimensions and answer project-related questions.
• Follow instructions provided by Team Lead or Project Engineer efficiently and accurately.
• Notify Project Engineers promptly of any deviations or changes from the original Sales Order.
• Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully take direction from manager.

Manager Responsibilities

• This position has no management responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Standing - <1 hour per day.
• Walking – <1 hour per day.
• Sitting – 7-8 hours per day.
• Lifting – Up to 50 lbs.
• Carrying – Up to 50 lbs.
• Pushing/pulling – Up to 50 lbs.
• Environment – Inside 95%; Outside 5%.

Travel

This position requires no travel.

Qualifications

To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.

Education Requirement

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent.
• Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.

Skills Requirement

• Solid understanding of machining processes and general manufacturing practices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with skills in layout and mechanical design.
• Ability to follow directions and take instruction from Engineers, Team Leads, and Project Engineers.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD for creating technical and fabrication drawings.
• Experience with 3D modeling software such as Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and email communication.
• Able to maintain effective working relationships across departments and with team members.
• Comfortable navigating and retrieving information from internal company databases.
• Formal education in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in mechanical design, drafting, or custom machinery design, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial equipment environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience creating fabrication and machining drawings, including sheet metal flat patterns and detailed part drawings.
• Practical experience using 2D AutoCAD for creating and modifying technical drawings; familiarity with 3D modeling software such as Inventor or SolidWorks (preferred).
• Experience working in cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Project Management, and Production.
• Exposure to design standards, such as a third-angle projection, dimensioning best practices, and bill of materials (BOM) structures.
• Experience troubleshooting design issues during fabrication or assembly, either in the shop or field.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Prior involvement in design revisions, interpreting redlines or markups, and incorporating feedback into final drawings.

Benefits:

• 401k
• 401k Employer Matching Program
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off