Mechanical Design Engineer at Mestek Machinery in Cedar Rapids, IA

Mestek Machinery is a recognized leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced metal forming solutions for the HVAC sheet metal ductwork industry. Through our family of brands, including Engel Industries, Iowa Precision, and Roto-Die, we deliver some of the most complete, productive, and innovative fabrication systems in the market today. Backed by decades of industry expertise, our teams develop machinery and solutions that support every facet of HVAC duct manufacturing.

If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, building real-world machinery, and seeing your designs come to life on the shop floor, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact.

🔗 Learn more about our machinery and products at: http://www.mestek.com

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to support new product development, product improvements, and sustaining engineering initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing long-term engineering projects with quick-turn design challenges.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing OEM machinery systems and components, generating CAD models and detailed engineering documentation, supporting sourcing activities, and collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects from concept through production while contributing to the continued innovation of industry-leading equipment.

Core hours would be Monday-Friday 8:00 am -4:30 pm (this time can be flexible) 40-45 hours per week expected. No travel required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems and components for OEM machinery and production equipment
• Create 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation
• Develop and troubleshoot hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems
• Perform engineering analyses, including tolerance stack-up evaluations and component life-cycle assessments
• Source and qualify mechanical components, suppliers, and vendors working with procurement
• Submit RFQs and work directly with suppliers on component selection and procurement
• Investigate equipment performance issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective solutions
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineering teams throughout the product development cycle
• Participate in design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support and improve engineering standards, processes, and documentation practices
• Interpret and work with legacy 2D machine drawings when required

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Strong understanding of modern mechanical engineering principles and practices
• Experience designing mechanical systems for industrial equipment or machinery
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Autodesk Inventor (preferred) or comparable CAD platforms
• Familiarity with Product Data Management systems such as Autodesk Vault or SolidWorks PDM
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and electro-hydraulic machine design
• Experience working with or around machine shops and manufacturing processes including:
  • Welding
  • Milling
  • Turning
  • Sheet metal fabrication
• Strong problem-solving and project ownership mindset
• Ability to manage both long-term engineering projects and rapid-response design tasks

The ideal candidate is:

• Self-motivated and eager to learn
• Comfortable taking ownership of projects from concept to completion
• Able to balance attention to detail with speed and efficiency
• Collaborative and comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams
• Passionate about building practical, high-performance machinery

Physical Demands

The individual will regularly be required to stand. The individual will frequently be required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The individual will occasionally be required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this role include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individuals encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position requires the ability to pass a competency test, pre-employment drug test, and background check.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.