Mechanical Structural Engineer

Role Summary:

Responsible for the structural design, analysis, development, and validation of mechanical structures and components, ensuring they meet functional, strength, durability, manufacturability, and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop structural designs and 3D models for frames, brackets, chassis, enclosures, platforms, and other mechanical structures using Creo/SolidWorks.
2. Perform structural calculations and FEA to evaluate stress, deformation, fatigue, buckling, and factor of safety under various loading conditions.
3. Prepare and review engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, material specifications, and design documentation.
4. Perform load calculations and structural analysis considering static, dynamic, impact, vibration, and operating conditions.
5. Collaborate with manufacturing, testing, electrical, hydraulics, suppliers, and project engineering teams to develop production-ready designs.
6. Conduct design reviews, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for structural failures, quality issues, and field problems.
7. Support prototype development, testing, validation, and design verification and incorporate test results into product improvements.
8. Optimize designs for weight, cost, strength, durability, manufacturability, and assembly while following engineering standards.
9. Work with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve fabrication, welding, machining, casting, and sheet-metal-related issues.
10. Maintain engineering documentation, BOMs, design changes, and ECN/ECR activities throughout the product development lifecycle.

Required Skills

• Strong mechanical/structural engineering fundamentals
• Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D CAD experience
• FEA experience using tools such as Creo Simulate, ANSYS, or Nastran
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, materials, welding, machining, and fabrication
• Understanding of static and dynamic structural analysis
• Experience with structural testing and validation
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Structural, or related Engineering
• Typically, 5+ years of relevant experience for a mid/senior-level role.

Preferred Experience

• Caterpillar (CAT) experience is highly preferred, particularly in heavy equipment or construction machinery.
• Experience working with John Deere (JD) or other leading heavy-equipment manufacturers is preferred.
• Experience in heavy engineering / heavy machinery, including excavators, loaders, dozers, mining equipment, or similar products.
• Experience with large structural assemblies, frames, booms, arms, chassis, brackets, and welded structures.
• Strong understanding of structural design, FEA, fatigue, durability, and load-case development for heavy equipment applications.
• Experience working in a manufacturing/NPI environment with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, testing, and supplier teams.
• Familiarity with CAT/JD engineering standards, design practices, PLM systems, and engineering change processes is an advantage.