Junior Mechanical Equipment Design Engineer

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: From $80,000 per year (higher compensation available based on experience)

We are looking for a Junior Mechanical Equipment Design Engineer to support the design, development, and improvement of heavy mechanical equipment used for lifting, maintenance, and emergency response operations. This role offers the opportunity to work on equipment from the initial concept stage through manufacturing, testing, field support, and continuous product improvements.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges, working with cross-functional teams, and contributing to projects that require practical, real-world engineering solutions.

• Design new mechanical equipment and update existing systems to improve functionality and performance.
• Create engineering solutions using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Perform engineering calculations, reverse engineering, CAD modeling, prototyping, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve product reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and overall cost efficiency.
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, bills of materials, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all designs meet applicable engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.

• Assist with engineering projects from concept through production, testing, implementation, and ongoing product support.
• Participate in equipment inspections, rebuilds, repair planning, upgrades, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and project teams to support production schedules and successful project completion.
• Provide technical assistance during troubleshooting, field inspections, customer support visits, and equipment evaluations.
• Help ensure products are manufactured according to engineering specifications and quality expectations.

• Apply sound engineering principles to solve technical challenges.
• Support quality improvement, product standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.
• Manage multiple assignments while adapting to changing project priorities.
• Continue developing knowledge of mechanical systems, engineering standards, and industry best practices.