Mechanical Designer II

MECHANICAL DESIGNER II – MID LEVEL

Location: Pontiac, MI; Employment Type: Full-time; Pay Type: Non-Salaried; Reports To: Mechanical Design Manager; Department: Design; Classification: Not Exempt

Gonzalez is a US owned middle market, 300-team member, manufacturing & services company with three North American locations. There are two main divisions of Gonzalez: Gonzalez Production Systems (GPS), which is primarily involved in robotics automation & integration and Gonzalez Contract Services (GCS), which is a staffing company that also does prototype engineering and manufacturing. We value diversity, teamwork, and tradition. Gonzalez offers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, HSA contribution, 401K profit sharing, and vacation time.

Purpose of Position:

The Mechanical Designer II produces designs of customer’s equipment according to customer and internal specifications using computer programs. Works closely with project managers, engineers, leaders, and other employees to create and improve manufacturing systems, or processes and develop drawings for a wide variety of machines.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design Responsibilities:

• Conceptualizes and creates solutions for moderately complex customer designs on software programs.
• Produces detailed drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials for equipment, and sub-assemblies utilizing CAD Software.
• Examines project instructions and drawings to determine specifications, procedures, equipment, and proactively identify potential complications and preventative measures involved in designing; validates and updates drawing documentation as needed.
• Reviews mechanical requirements and machine operations/sequences with internal departments.
• Identifies appropriate components for mechanical assemblies. Works with vendors for proper sizing, selection, sign-off of components
• Determines causes, or troubleshoots mechanical errors, working with staff, deciding courses of action to solve problems.
• Contributes to Risk Assessments, Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Machinery Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (MFMEA).
• Competent working with design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of technical plans, drawings, and CAD models.
• Awareness and compliance with plant safety requirements, including operator interface with tooling design.
• Performs engineering calculations related to machine and tool designs.
• Coordinates and consults with others to design, layout, or detail components and systems and to resolve design, or other problems.
• Performs reverse engineering tasks including creating drawings of existing tooling using precision measuring devices. Proactively communicates updates and obtains information from internal and external parties.
• Create and update Excel matrix’s which contain various information (weld information, cycle time studies, long lead components, etc.)
• Resolve associated process, mechanical, and fabrication problems, when required.
• Checks simple to moderately complexed tools.
• Checks that all customer product and tooling components are designed properly, without interference.
• Checks that all details can be manufactured, and that the Bill of Materials is correct.
• Checks all machine tolerances, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), materials, special processes, heat treat, and paint requirements are included and correct.
• Verify process and sequence sheets (Controls line-up sheets) using Excel/PowerPoint.
• Ensures that all business activities are performed to the highest degree of ethical standards.

• Project Tracking: Communicates with assigned Team Leaders on their current projects and tasks on a regular basis.
• Quality: Is aware if Quality Performance Metrics, and actively supports continuous improvement.
• Relationship Management: Develops and maintains open relationships with Project Managers, Team Leaders, peers, other Gonzalez employees, and vendors.
• Improvement Initiatives: Suggest design activity improvements for ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Task Forecasting: Understanding of hours remaining to complete tasks assigned and keep leader informed of complications/changes to timing.
• Record Keeping: Maintain design project records, including models, drawings, project documentation, signoffs, DCR’s, etc.
• Other: Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient with Windows, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) including a high degree of competence with CAD platforms and associated application software.
• Ability to perform on one or more CAD systems dependent on customer requirements (FIDES, NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Ability to translate files to various formats to support 3D modeling, 2D design, Simulation and Manufacturing
• Ability to work with and navigate computer filing systems, including the ability to stay organized, archive records, etc.
• Ability to work with and process RIA and OSHA standards regarding industrial tooling design.
• Ensures compliance with customer specifications and standards (corporate and plant).
• Possesses and demonstrates strong organizational skills.
• Possesses and demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to work both independently as well as in a team environment.
• Work on one or more projects concurrently.
• Demonstrates strong language, mathematical and logical reasoning skills.

Qualified candidates possess:

• Education: Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 8 years of work-related skill and experience.
  • Experience designing automated and manual industrial tooling fixtures.
  • Experience with industrial Robots and equipment used in automation systems.
  • Experience with various manufacturing machines and processes used to produce the components designed. (Welders, CNC machines, mills, saws, grinders, surface treatments, etc.)
  • Understanding of Geometric Dimension & Tolerancing (GD&T)

Physical requirements (to include but not limited to):

• Ability to sit and move around when required.
• Ability to view, crouch, lean, bend, grip, etc. to inspect and diagnose controls content in manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift light loads (under 25 lbs.)
• Ability to wear PPE (when necessary)

Travel Requirements:

• May be required to travel to local client facilities, suppliers, and customer sites to assist in customer meetings, plant visits, installation, start-up, final machine acceptance, etc.