Mechanical Engineer – Advanced Machine Tools

Fairmount Technologies (FT) is a growing advanced manufacturing company developing tooling-free CNC systems that dramatically reduce cost and lead time for aerospace and defense manufacturers. Our mission is to integrate revolutionary machine tools directly onto the factory floor, ensuring unprecedented precision, safety, and efficiency in manufacturing.

Recent milestone: FT was selected for a U.S. Department of Defense APFIT award, supporting deployment of our systems across multiple Air Force maintenance depots. This marks a major step as we scale production and expand our engineering team.

We are seeking an analytical and highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to help design, develop, analyze, improve and lead the structural and dynamic engineering of our advanced CNC machines.

Position Overview

In this role, you will be responsible for creating high-fidelity 3D CAD modelsand engineering analysis, with the opportunity to apply simulation tools to improve machine performance, structural integrity and reliability translating them into robust production-ready layouts. You will leverage Model-Based Design to simulate dynamic assemblies and perform rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize structural durability, vibration characteristics, and thermal stability. Operating at the intersection of mechanical design and physics simulation, you will ensure our hardware platforms deliver the extreme reliability demanded by the aerospace manufacturing sector.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, machine design, and manufacturing principles. We recognize that great engineers bring different strengths. Some candidates may have extensive mechanical design and manufacturing experience with some simulation exposure, while others may bring strong analytical and simulation capabilities. We welcome both backgrounds.

Core Responsibilities

• Advanced 3D Modeling & Drafting: Design, develop, and refine complex mechanical components, assemblies, and machine structures using Solidworks 3D CAD software. Create detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications using appropriate GD&T principles.
• Mechanical Design & Development: Develop practical, cost-effective mechanical designs that balance structural strength, precision, reliability, and ease of manufacturing and assembly. Evaluate materials, tolerances, component selection, and manufacturing processes to optimize machine performance.
• Engineering Analysis & Calculations: Perform engineering calculations to evaluate structural strength, stiffness, deflection, vibration, and mechanical performance under operating conditions. Apply analytical results to improve designs and resolve engineering challenges.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – Preferred Experience: Perform structural, modal, fatigue, and thermal simulations using SolidWorks Simulation. Use simulation results to evaluate stress, deflection, vibration, and fatigue limits and optimize component and machine designs.
• Model-Based Design (MBD) & Machine Dynamics – Preferred Experience: Develop and run dynamic system simulations using MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools to evaluate machine kinematics, motion systems, dynamic behavior, and transient operating conditions.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate with software, controls, and integration teams to optimize mechanical designs for sensors, actuators, motion control systems, and embedded computing equipment.
• Prototype Development & Design Validation: Participate in hands-on prototype development, assembly, and machine testing. Validate engineering calculations and simulation results through physical testing and use findings to improve mechanical designs.
• Manufacturing & Engineering Support: Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and assembly teams to troubleshoot mechanical issues, improve existing designs, and support successful machine production and integration.
• Quality & Standards Compliance: Ensure mechanical designs, engineering drawings, and analysis follow applicable engineering standards, ISO 9001/AS9100 quality requirements, and relevant aerospace and industrial machine safety standards.

Skill requirements

• 3D CAD & Simulation Tools: Expert proficiency in SolidWorks or similar software alongside advanced FEA solvers (SolidWorks Simulation).
• GD&T Mastery: Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing principles (ASME Y14.5) to ensure flawless alignment with part inspection parameters.
• Manufacturing Processes: Deep familiarity with structural properties of metals (titanium, aluminum, aerospace alloys), machining setups, and tooling constraints.
• Dynamic System Modeling - preferred: Working competency in MATLABand Simulink for mathematical scripting, kinematic analysis, and dynamic controls simulation is preferred.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Experience: 3+ years of experience specializing in design of electromechanical systems, static/dynamic stress analysis, or simulation engineering within an industrial or manufacturing hardware domain.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a highly relevant engineering discipline.
• Mindset: A highly analytical problem solver who values mathematical simulation as a tool to engineer safe, optimal, and performant mechanical systems.

Regulatory & Location Requirements

• Export Control Compliance: This position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled technologies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws.
• Location: Relocation to the Wichita / Derby, KS area is required. This position involves collaborative design sessions and hands-on shop-floor verification of mechanical prototypes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and scope of role
• (Typical range: $85,000–$120,000+)
• Flexible working hours to support your optimal work-life schedule.
• PTO to ensure dynamic work-life balance.
• Optional Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Direct access to leadership and technical decision-making
• A chance to grow with the company as our manufacturing footprint scales

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled technologies. Are you a U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws?

Ability to Relocate:

• Derby, KS 67037: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person