Mechanical Design Engineer – Contract Role (12–15 Months)

Location: On-site Monday–Friday (Hybrid on Fridays)

This role supports a well-established, innovation-driven manufacturer of commercial foodservice equipment, with a strong track record of delivering high-performance, industry-certified products used in restaurant and hospitality environments across North America. The engineering team is currently in the midst of a product platform upgrade, focused on updating existing models.

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer (Contract) to join a fast-paced, collaborative engineering team focused on launching a new line of commercial ice makers. This 12–15 month contract role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a new SKU from design through launch, while also leading a critical 8D investigation to resolve ongoing gearmotor reliability issues in current models.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in mechanical design (SolidWorks), product development, and structured problem-solving methodologies, especially 8D. You’ll be responsible for CAD work, creating and managing BOMs, developing and updating technical documentation, and driving cross-functional collaboration across engineering, testing, and sourcing teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead 8D problem-solving initiatives to investigate and resolve critical field issues—identify root causes, develop and validate corrective actions, and implement long-term reliability solutions.
• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for commercial ice makers using SolidWorks, focusing on sheet metal and plastic structures, cladding, and food-safe construction.
• Update and expand an existing product line by owning the development of new SKUs—including scaling components like bins, motors, and agitators while maintaining compatibility with current refrigeration and electronic systems.
• Create and manage complete CAD documentation, including part and assembly drawings, BOMs, exploded views, and product change notices.
• Conduct and support testing activities—develop test plans, analyze data, and iterate designs based on performance, reliability, and safety results.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to validate component feasibility, source alternatives, and ensure manufacturability of designs.
• Drive updates to engineering documentation such as FMEAs, control plans, and technical manuals, including revisions related to component changes, certifications (e.g., NSF), and new cleaning procedures.
• Provide technical leadership within the team—guide cross-functional efforts, coordinate with CAD designers, and ensure timelines and deliverables are met across assigned SKUs.
• Support the rollout of new refrigerants by updating relevant models and documentation, ensuring compliance and consistency across the product family.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or similar technical discipline.
• 5–8+ years of product design experience
• Demonstrated experience leading 8D root cause investigations and corrective action plans.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including part design, assembly, and drawing creation.
• Background designing systems with electric motors, gearboxes, and structural mechanical components.
• Experience coordinating product certification efforts and contributing to technical manuals.