Mechanical Design Engineer I at Tread Corporation – Roanoke, Virginia

Job Description: Mechanical Design Engineer I

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer I to join our engineering team in Roanoke, Virginia. This entry-level role is essential to support the Commercial, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams with designs for fixed and mobile equipment used in the civil explosives industry. The successful candidate will be involved in the entire product lifecycle - from concept development with the Commercial team to providing end-user support alongside our Field Service team. This position is ideal for recent graduates or engineers with 0-2 years of experience who are eager to develop their skills through hands-on equipment design projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Engineering:

• Develop and prepare design calculations, solid models, drafts, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) under senior engineer guidance

• Translate engineering concepts into practical parts and assembly designs that meet specifications and performance requirements

• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to sheet metal fabrication and weldment designs

Material Selection and Cost Estimation:

• Specify appropriate raw materials and components based on equipment requirements

• Create accurate cost estimates for conceptual designs to support the Commercial team's decision-making

Testing and Documentation:

• Generate comprehensive test plans to qualify new designs

• Compile detailed design review reports and hardware/equipment documentation as needed

Collaboration and Support:

• Support Manufacturing with sustaining activities and troubleshoot design issues on the shop floor

• Work collaboratively with Commercial, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams throughout the product lifecycle

• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support product development and Field Service needs (0-5%)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

• 0-2 years of relevant experience in an engineering/manufacturing environment

• Strong ability to translate engineering concepts into practical part and assembly designs

• Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication and design of weldments, applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles

• Exceptional mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot under pressure, both on the shop floor and in the field

• Proficiency in a current CAD software package

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite

• Outstanding administrative, interpersonal, and communication abilities

• Capacity to work independently within the context of a multi-disciplinary team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in off-highway or heavy equipment applications (internship or co-op experience counts)

• Control theory knowledge with a preference for off-highway equipment concentration

• Exposure to Solid Edge in a Teamcenter PLM environment

• Coursework or project experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) principles

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

• Mentorship and opportunities for professional growth and technical development

• A collaborative and innovative engineering environment

• The opportunity to work on challenging projects in the civil explosives industry

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Director of Engineering