Power Distribution Product Design Engineer

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: Starting at $90,000+ annually (based on experience and technical background)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of low-voltage power distribution equipment, including switchgear assemblies designed to UL 891 standards. This role focuses on producing detailed, manufacturable mechanical designs while coordinating closely with electrical engineering and production teams.

This is a hands-on engineering position ideal for candidates with prior switchgear design experience, strong CAD skills, and a solid understanding of fabrication and assembly processes.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Mechanical System Design

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for low-voltage switchgear assemblies built to UL 891 requirements
• Design structural frameworks, equipment compartments, breaker mounting systems, enclosure assemblies, and cable-management features
• Produce detailed engineering documentation including fabrication drawings, assembly layouts, weldment details, and bills of material
• Ensure all released designs support manufacturing efficiency, product reliability, and project specifications

Cross-Functional Engineering Support

• Partner with electrical engineers to coordinate mechanical and electrical design requirements
• Assist in integrating bus systems, equipment layouts, cable routing paths, and service-access considerations
• Participate in technical reviews to evaluate equipment accessibility, thermal performance, interference concerns, and maintainability
• Verify compliance with applicable standards, engineering practices, and manufacturing capabilities

Manufacturing Integration

• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout product development
• Provide technical support during fabrication, assembly, testing, inspection, and product launch activities
• Investigate production challenges and recommend engineering improvements when necessary
• Support value-engineering initiatives focused on efficiency, manufacturability, and cost reduction

Project Execution & Documentation

• Manage assigned engineering deliverables to support project schedules and production requirements
• Maintain revision-controlled engineering records, drawing updates, and release documentation
• Support supplier interactions, production coordination efforts, and occasional project-related travel as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical engineering experience
• 3–8+ years of experience designing low-voltage power distribution equipment
• Direct experience developing switchgear assemblies compliant with UL 891 requirements
• Demonstrated ability to independently progress designs from concept development through manufacturing release

Technical Expertise

Candidates should possess strong working knowledge of

• Switchgear enclosure construction and structural design principles
• Breaker mounting methods and compartmentalized equipment layouts
• Bus-bar spacing, separation requirements, and electrical clearances
• Cable-entry planning, routing strategies, and serviceability considerations
• Ventilation design, thermal performance, and arc-containment concepts
• UL documentation requirements, compliance procedures, and inspection processes

Software & Technical Skills

• Proficiency with engineering CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar systems
• Experience designing sheet metal components and welded structures for manufacturing environments
• Strong engineering documentation and drawing-control practices
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across multiple departments

Success Factors

The ideal candidate will

• Deliver accurate, compliant, and production-ready engineering packages within established deadlines
• Support a seamless transition from design through fabrication and assembly
• Work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project personnel
• Take ownership of projects while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, compliance, and performance