Sr. Mechanical Designer

Title: Senior Mechanical Designer

Location: Arcadia, California

Type: Full-time, on-site

Starting Annual salary: $80,000–$105,000

About the Company

Our client designs and fabricates custom mechanical equipment and automated systems for entertainment, architectural, and specialty applications. Projects combine creative concepts with practical mechanical design and fabrication.

About the Position

Our client is seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to develop mechanical designs for custom equipment, from initial concepts through detailed fabrication drawings and production support.

This is a hands-on position combining mechanical design, CAD modeling, basic engineering calculations, and collaboration with project managers, fabrication teams, customers, and outside engineers. The ideal candidate understands how mechanical equipment is built and can translate creative concepts into practical, reliable designs.

An engineering degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required. Relevant technical training and demonstrated experience will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical concepts, components, assemblies, and systems for custom machinery, automated equipment, and entertainment applications.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of materials.
• Perform basic stress and material calculations to support component sizing, material selection, and design development.
• Design and integrate pneumatic and hydraulic components into mechanical assemblies.
• Coordinate with outside Professional Engineers and engineering firms for analysis, review, and approvals as required.
• Collaborate with project managers, customers, and creative teams to translate project requirements into functional mechanical designs.
• Select materials and manufacturing methods that balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Prepare technical documentation, including facility requirements, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Support estimating by identifying design requirements, materials, components, and anticipated design effort.
• Work with fabrication teams to resolve design questions, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and update drawings throughout production.
• Apply appropriate drafting practices, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and relevant industry and customer standards.
• Support design reviews and coordinate with project leadership and outside engineers to address applicable safety and compliance requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to other designers and help coordinate design deliverables across assigned projects.

Required Qualifications

• At least four years of relevant mechanical design experience, with demonstrated ability to develop detailed designs and fabrication documentation independently.
• Strong proficiency with mechanical CAD software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Experience designing custom machinery, mechanical equipment, or fabricated assemblies.
• Ability to perform basic stress and material calculations and recognize when additional engineering analysis is needed.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic components and their application in mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material selection, drafting standards, and GD&T.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical design issues and communicate effectively with customers, project managers, engineers, and fabrication personnel.
• Ability to organize design work and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Relevant education, technical training, or equivalent practical experience. An engineering degree and PE license are not required.

Preferred Experience

• Theme park equipment, special effects, theatrical systems, or related entertainment applications.
• Custom machinery, automation equipment, or specialty mechanical systems.
• Coordination with outside engineering firms or licensed Professional Engineers.
• Familiarity with applicable ANSI, AWS, ASTM, and NFPA standards relevant to assigned projects.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range is $80,000–$105,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off; and additional company-sponsored benefits.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Arcadia California.