Design Engineer

Location: Cranston, Rhode Island
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Industry: Custom Store Fixtures

About the Company

EMI Store Fixtures – a division of LSI Industries – is a North American leader in designing and manufacturing innovative retail display solutions. With over 30 years of experience, the Maine-based company specializes in creating eye-catching that keep items fresh and beautifully presented. EMI’s products span refrigerated and non-refrigerated displays for supermarkets, grocery, convenience, and specialty stores. Proudly made in North America and supported by facilities across the country, JSI is dedicated to quality, speed of delivery, and sustainable, cost-effective manufacturing practices.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Design Engineer to play a critical role in supporting the organization by providing fast, accurate, and flexible design solutions for customer requests. This role focuses on quick-turn design modifications, custom product development, and translating customer requirements into manufacturable solutions. The ideal candidate has a strong background in design, sheet metal fabrication, and product development, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide rapid design support for sales inquiries, including custom modifications and new product configurations.
• Work closely with the sales team to interpret customer requests and translate them into manufacturable product specifications.
• Develop and modify 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Customize existing designs to meet customer needs while ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.
• Support technical sales proposals by creating conceptual drawings, renderings, and feasibility assessments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering teams to ensure smooth implementation of customer-driven product changes.
• Provide technical expertise to assist sales in customer discussions and proposal development.
• Ensure compliance with company design standards and industry regulations.
• Participate in design reviews, cost analyses, and product optimization initiatives to improve overall product offerings.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in commercial equipment, retail fixtures, or sheet metal products.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or AutoCAD) for modeling and drafting.
• Strong background in sheet metal fabrication, mechanical assemblies, and structural design.
• Ability to quickly convert customer needs into product specifications while ensuring manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with customized display fixtures, commercial refrigeration enclosures, or similar retail equipment.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) principles.