Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Des Plaines, IL
Job Type and Duration: Direct Placement
Pay range: $115,000-140,000 Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Motion Control / Precision Manufacturing

Role Overview

Our client, a manufacturer of high-precision motion control components, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of planetary and right-angle gearboxes and custom drivetrain assemblies. In this high-mix, low-volume production environment, you will take projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and full manufacturing release.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Design: Lead end-to-end mechanical design for precision gearboxes, drivetrains, and mechanical components from concept to production.

• Engineering Analysis: Perform gear sizing, torque/load calculations, shaft/bearing selection, FEA, and tolerance stack-ups.

• DFM & Production Support: Apply GD&T, material selection, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles; work directly with CNC machining and assembly teams to optimize quality and unit costs.

• Customer & Sales Collaboration: Partner directly with clients, sales teams, and application engineers to develop cost-effective, custom solutions for unique motion-control applications.

• Documentation & Testing: Maintain detailed CAD models (SolidWorks), engineering drawings, BOMs, ECNs, and validation/testing reports.

• Problem Solving & Mentorship: Conduct root cause analysis for field/manufacturing issues and provide technical guidance to junior engineering staff.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years in mechanical design or product development within precision manufacturing, motion control, power transmission, or automation.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related discipline.

• Software: Advanced CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred) and experience with gear design software (e.g., KISSsoft, MITCalc, MASTA, FVA Workbench).

• Technical Expertise: Strong background in gear design (servo/precision gearboxes), materials selection, GD&T, and CNC manufacturing processes.

• Communication: Ability to explain complex engineering concepts to both clients and internal cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with FEA, product testing/validation, and PDM/PLM systems.

• Background in robotics, industrial automation, or servo-driven applications.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

• Flexible work schedule
  

ESPO Corporation
www.espocorp.com
630-789-2525
View all open jobs at www.espocorp.com/jobs

Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965

ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.