Mechanical Designer III

MECHANICAL DESIGNER III, ADVANCED 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 III produces designs of customer’s equipment according to customer and internal specifications using computer programs. They work 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. The position is the highest position in mechanical design, without taking on additional leadership responsibilities or advancing outside of mechanical design. Candidates are considered experts in the field, will have diverse experience and the ability to produce complex systems with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design Responsibilities:
  • Conceptualizes and creates solutions for complex customer designs on CAD 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 Performs engineering calculations related to machine and tool designs.
  • 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).
  • Awareness and compliance with plant safety requirements, including operator interface with tooling design.
  • 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/or 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 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.
• Project Tracking: Understands mechanical design tasks and time to complete those tasks. Proactively communicates issues as they arise to maintain budget, timing, and quality. Communicates progress regularly with Mechanical leaders/manager.
• Relationship Management: Develops and maintains relations with customers, vendors, project design team, leader, and senior management teams. Ensures that all business activities are performed to the highest degree of ethical standards. Able to work through issues maintaining positive working relationships.
• Improvements: Suggests and develops improvements to design standards and processes, to aid in increased efficiency, cost, and quality.
• Mentoring: May oversee mechanical designers assigned to the project; train, mentor, motivate, develop, coach team members. Ensure proper understanding of tasks and order of importance is understood. May review designs developed by other team members.
• Record Keeping: maintains design project records in line with quality and corporate procedures, including 3D models, drawings, pdf’s, review signoffs, Design Change Requests, etc.
• Quality: be aware of Quality performance metrics and support continuous improvement. Maintains an understanding of mechanical design procedures for the department.
• 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 10 years relevant experience preferred.
  • 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 mechanical 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.

REQUIRED LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

None, but related certifications are encouraged/considered (GD&T, Cad Systems, Office programs, Safety, etc.)