Mechanical Design Engineer

About the Role

Model/Z seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support product development and the design of manufacturable solutions for modular housing production. The focus is on improving manufacturability, production efficiency, and reducing the cost of housing in California.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, prototypes, large assemblies, and tooling and fixture designs in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Carry designs through established engineering procedures, including initial design proposals, technical and design review meetings, and PDM/PLM management.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability and assembly.
• Develop and test prototype solutions.
• Review and maintain engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Manage design revisions and product configurations.
• Support production-line testing and implementation.
• Work directly with cross-functional teams to identify production challenges, troubleshoot design-related issues, and implement engineering improvements that enhance quality, repeatability, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support the transition of new and revised designs from engineering into production by ensuring design requirements, documentation, materials, and configurations are properly communicated and controlled.
• Evaluate potential solutions for product and process inefficiencies with technical analysis plus prototyping, and validating economic feasibility through business principles with management.
• Design and manage large assembly models, overseeing configuration management, and document control in accordance with ASME standards.
• Implement design-build improvements and carry change implementations through Engineering Change Order Processes on a live production line.
• Manage internal PDM/PLM systems and external fabrication drawing libraries for manufacturers/suppliers.
• Operate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and industrial systems teams for cohesive engineering execution.
• Maintain Bill of Materials (EBOM, MBOM, PBOM) and alignment with ERP systems.
• Work alongside Supply Chain with contracted manufacturers/suppliers.
• Coordinate design solutions with various Architectural, Structural, MEP, Inspection Teams and follow through with submittiments to city and state government agencies.
• Undergo Root Cause Analysis to evaluate current production process and design features to identify possible pain points.
• Apply industry standards Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing principles to an antiquated construction industry.
• Write technical Standard Operation Procedures and Manuals to aid Quality and Process Engineering.
• Design and build fixtures and jigs for production use.
• Fabricate and integrate precision tooling into the production line.
• Solve difficult technical problems to optimize for the ultimate goal of reducing the cost of housing in Southern California.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 0 - 3 years of Mechanical Engineering industry experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering required (Master's preferred).
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Advanced fabrication experience (CNC machining, welding, precision assembly).
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping methods, lean manufacturing principles, and testing + validation procedures.
• Experience with CAD/PDM/PLM Systems, Product Development Process, and Project Management.
• Proficient in 3D mechanical design, analysis, and drafting tools (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred)
• 0 - 3 years of Mechanical Engineering industry experience.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Advanced fabrication experience (CNC machining, welding, precision assembly).
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping methods, lean manufacturing principles, and testing + validation procedures.
• Experience with CAD/PDM/PLM Systems, Product Development Process, and Project Management.
• Proficient in 3D mechanical design, analysis, and drafting tools (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS).