Job Description

Senior Mechanical Designer – Custom Machinery & Power Transmission

Location: Raleigh, NC Job Type: Contract or Contract-to-Hire Pay Range: $45–$50/hour Work Location: 100% Onsite

Position Overview

M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to support the design and development of custom machinery, precision gearboxes, power transmission systems, and specialized mechanical test equipment. This position requires advanced SolidWorks proficiency, extensive mechanical design experience, and a strong understanding of complex machinery and precision rotating components.

The Senior Mechanical Designer will collaborate with experienced engineering professionals to transform engineering concepts, preliminary calculations, sketches, and technical requirements into detailed 3D models, mechanical assemblies, and manufacturing-ready documentation. This role requires the ability to independently evaluate mechanical arrangements, identify potential design challenges, and develop practical solutions for complex equipment.

The ideal Senior Mechanical Designer has hands-on experience designing functional machinery and mechanical power transmission systems. Candidates with experience designing powertrains, propulsion systems, transmissions, gearboxes, and gears are strongly encouraged to apply.

SolidWorks experience and U.S. citizenship are required. This position is 100% onsite in Raleigh, NC.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop complex 3D mechanical models, parts, and assemblies using SolidWorks

• Design custom machinery, precision gearboxes, rotating equipment, and specialized mechanical testing systems

• Translate engineering concepts, sketches, preliminary calculations, and technical discussions into detailed mechanical designs

• Develop mechanical assemblies incorporating gears, shafts, splines, bearings, seals, couplings, housings, and power transmission components

• Support the design and development of mechanical powertrains, transmissions, propulsion-related equipment, and rotating machinery

• Evaluate mechanical assemblies for proper fit, alignment, clearances, component interference, and functionality

• Consider assembly sequencing, tool accessibility, maintenance requirements, and equipment serviceability during the design process

• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), dimensional fits, and tolerance stack-up analysis to precision mechanical assemblies

• Prepare detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and supporting technical documentation

• Maintain organized parametric models and preserve design intent as engineering requirements evolve

• Evaluate alternative mechanical design concepts and identify potential technical challenges

• Identify missing design information, component conflicts, manufacturing constraints, and assembly concerns

• Collaborate with senior engineers and mechanical designers throughout concept development, design refinement, and final documentation

• Incorporate engineering feedback, updated calculations, and component changes into mechanical designs

• Apply practical manufacturing knowledge to ensure designs are functional, manufacturable, and suitable for assembly

• Support machinery development from initial concept through manufacturing and assembly

Required Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in mechanical design, machine design, or custom machinery development

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks is required, including parametric modeling, complex mechanical assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings

• Demonstrated experience designing custom machinery, mechanical power transmission systems, or precision rotating equipment

• Strong understanding of mechanical components, including gears, shafts, splines, bearings, seals, couplings, and housings

• Knowledge of bearing arrangements, shaft fits, retention methods, lubrication systems, sealing requirements, and mechanical alignment

• Experience applying GD&T, functional datums, dimensional tolerances, and tolerance stack-up analysis

• Ability to interpret engineering sketches, sectional views, preliminary calculations, and technical specifications

• Experience developing detailed mechanical drawings, assembly documentation, and Bills of Materials

• Strong understanding of mechanical assembly requirements, manufacturing processes, and precision machining considerations

• Ability to identify component interference, assembly limitations, clearance issues, and potential manufacturing challenges

• Strong three-dimensional visualization and mechanical problem-solving skills

• Ability to independently develop mechanical design solutions from evolving engineering concepts

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with senior engineering personnel

• Ability to incorporate technical feedback and adjust designs as project requirements change

• Ability to demonstrate personal contributions to completed machinery designs or precision mechanical assemblies

• U.S. citizenship is required due to contractual requirements

• Ability to work 100% onsite in Raleigh, NC

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing mechanical powertrains and propulsion systems

• Experience designing transmissions, gearboxes, and gear assemblies

• Background in mechanical power transmission and precision rotating equipment

• Experience with custom machinery, machine tools, or specialized industrial equipment

• Experience designing spindle systems or high-speed rotating machinery

• Experience with dynamometers and mechanical testing equipment

• Experience developing precision mechanical assemblies involving complex rotating components

• Experience supporting machinery development from initial concept through manufacturing and assembly

• Experience collaborating with senior engineering teams on technically complex equipment designs

Job presented by M Force Partners

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

Do you know someone who may be a great match? Feel free to share this opportunity within your network.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.