What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Design Engineer position at Element6?
Mechanical Design Engineer – Tooling & Repurposing Focus
Location: On-site in Milwaukee, WI (4-5 days/week)
Contract: Open-ended (6–12 months minimum, potential for full-time conversion)
The Opportunity
We're looking for a high-impact mechanical design engineer with a passion for solving complex mechanical challenges — someone who thrives in hands-on environments, and is driven to innovate in the design and repurposing of legacy manufacturing equipment.
This isn’t a job for someone who wants to follow a process. It’s for a creative system builder, a mechanically curious problem-solver who’s excited to rethink tooling, revamp aging systems, and design next-gen solutions for a fast-moving, niche machining and accessories business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the design, redesign, and reconfiguration of existing manufacturing tools and machines to support new product development
- Conceptualize and implement mechanical systems that blend old and new technologies, adapting legacy equipment to meet modern production needs
- Collaborate across teams (engineering, machining, production) to create robust, manufacturable solutions
- Prototype tooling and systems that are durable, serviceable, and easy to maintain
- Take full ownership of projects — from concept to production handoff
Ideal Experience
- 7 years in custom machine design, tooling, or mechanical system development
- Proven experience repurposing and modifying existing manufacturing equipment
- Strong background in metal-based manufacturing (carbides, raw materials)
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred), mechanical analysis, FEA, and GD&T
- Bonus: Exposure to injection molding or automation/robotics
You Might Be a Fit If You…
- Are motivated by impact, not job titles
- Thrive in uncertainty and love solving mechanical puzzles
- Have a deep respect for craftsmanship, both in engineering and execution
- Aren’t afraid to challenge the norm and take calculated risks
- Move fast, communicate clearly, and can make confident decisions on the fly
Culture Fit
- Candid, honest, and transparent communication style
- Peer-to-peer accountability with no room for ego
- Empowered to make your own decisions and trusted to own your work
- A team that values speed, agility, and cross-functional collaboration
Non-Negotiables
- A diverse engineering background — not siloed in one vertical or type of product
- Innate curiosity and a passion for mechanical creativity
- Willing to get hands-on, roll up sleeves, and build the solution
- Must care deeply — about the work, the details, and the end result
Bonus Points If You've Worked At
- Custom machine builders
- Automation tooling design firms
- Advanced manufacturing companies with in-house engineering teams
Want to be part of something innovative and real?
Let’s build something great — and maybe rebuild a few things along the way.
