Mechanical Engineer (Contract)

MistyWest is an engineering design consultancy dedicated to creating innovative and robust solutions for our clients. We specialize in turning complex technical challenges into elegant, manufacturable products.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to transform prototype designs into production-ready products. In this role, you will be responsible for evolving existing 3D printed and machined designs into solutions optimized for various manufacturing methods including machining, vacuum casting, and potential future injection molding. We will start with a 4-6 week term contract with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities:

1. Optimize thermal management systems in compact electronic devices
2. Redesign existing prototypes for improved durability, ingress protection, and reliability
3. Create ergonomic handheld products with tight integration of electronic components
4. Develop modular, adaptable designs to accommodate multiple use cases
5. Implement design for manufacturing (DFM) principles focused on low-volume production
6. Integrate optical components into mechanical designs
7. Prototype iterations using 3D printing and other rapid fabrication methods
8. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure mechanical designs meet all functional requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
2. 5+ years of experience in mechanical design of handheld electronic products
3. Expert proficiency with SolidWorks
4. Demonstrated experience transitioning designs from prototype to production
5. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, vacuum casting, and injection molding
6. Experience designing plastic enclosures for electronics with consideration for thermal management
7. Proven track record designing products with ingress protection requirements
8. Experience incorporating optical components into mechanical designs
9. Skills in prototyping using 3D printing and other rapid fabrication methods

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with design for reliability, particularly with electrical connectors
2. Background in designing products with IP ratings (IP54+)
3. Knowledge of designing for low to medium volume manufacturing
4. Experience with ergonomic design principles for handheld devices