Mechanical Engineer 1 at Oakland Family Services in Sheldon, IA

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer I supports the design, development, and continuous improvement of Maintainer's service truck bodies and related products. Working under the guidance of senior engineering staff, this position applies sound mechanical engineering principles to create and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and product documentation. Mechanical Engineer I collaborates with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain to develop products that are safe, manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet customer requirements.

This role utilizes modern 3D CAD modeling, design automation, and engineering systems to improve engineering efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing processes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and complete vehicle body systems using 3D CAD software.
• Create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering change documentation, and product specifications.
• Utilize CAD automation tools, parametric modeling techniques, and engineering design standards to improve design accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
• Support manufacturing by applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to improve quality, reduce cost, and simplify production.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve design, production, and customer-related issues.
• Assist with new product development and continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating existing products and recommending design enhancements.
• Develop, coordinate, and document product validation testing, including test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Participate in troubleshooting product performance, manufacturing concerns, and field issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Research new materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies for application in future products.
• Support engineering change management by maintaining accurate product structures, engineering documentation, and part numbering.
• Participate in cross-functional product review meetings and production readiness activities, including inspection and evaluation of completed vehicles.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate purchased components, manufacturing capabilities, and technical requirements.
• Follow all company safety policies, engineering standards, quality system requirements, and departmental procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and the ability to apply engineering principles through academic coursework, senior design projects, internships, co-op experiences, or other hands-on technical activities.

• Ability to read and create engineering drawings in accordance with ASME drafting standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or project experience in manufacturing, product development, or mechanical design.
• Experience with Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor, or comparable 3D CAD software. Our current design software is Creo.
• Experience with CAD automation tools, parametric modeling, family tables, design tables, or configurable product design, including using parameters to drive automation of models and drawings.
• Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), or ERP/MRP systems.
• Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or engineering simulation.
• Knowledge of welding, sheet metal fabrication, machining, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and vehicle structures.

Technical Skills

The successful candidate should have working knowledge of:

• 3D CAD modeling and detailed drawing creation
• Engineering change management
• Bills of Materials (BOM) development
• Design validation and testing
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Engineering documentation and technical report writing
• Manufacturing processes including welding, machining, fabrication, painting, and assembly
• Mechanical design principles
• Basic hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems

Key Competencies

• Mechanical design
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving and root cause analysis
• Team collaboration
• Organization and time management
• Customer focus
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Accountability and integrity

Physical Requirements

• Regularly sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and reach while supporting manufacturing operations.
• Frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Work periodically in a manufacturing environment around moving equipment, noise, welding operations, and airborne particulates while following all required safety procedures.

Work Environment

This position is split between an office engineering environment and a manufacturing facility. Regular interaction with production personnel and occasional inspection of completed vehicles is expected.

Leadership Expectations

Although this position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, the Mechanical Engineer I is expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute positively to team goals and company objectives.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and follow through to completion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.