The position of Mechanical Engineer, specializing in Ball Screw Design, involves assisting in the creation, enhancement, and testing of precision ball screw assemblies utilized in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial sectors. Working closely with senior engineering staff, this role undertakes mechanical design, engineering analysis, prototype development, testing, and manufacturing assistance to deliver top-notch motion control products.
Main Responsibilities:
- Develop components for ball screws like screw shafts, nuts, return systems, recirculation mechanisms, and drive interfaces.
- Generate and maintain thorough CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation.
- Participate in defining preload, geometry, lubrication, and performance specifications.
- Conduct engineering calculations related to load capacity, fatigue life, stiffness, backlash, friction, torque, and thermal performance.
- Support finite element analysis and validation tasks.
- Evaluate component performance using analytical modeling and engineering calculations.
- Aid in laboratory testing, endurance testing, load testing, efficiency evaluations, and prototype validation.
- Analyze test results and suggest design enhancements.
- Assist with failure investigations and root cause analysis.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to facilitate machining, grinding, assembly, and inspection work.
- Review manufacturability and contribute to design enhancements.
- Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and design updates.
- Prepare engineering reports, calculations, specifications, and design documentation.
- Engage in design reviews and technical meetings.
- Maintain engineering records as per company protocols.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 2–5 years of mechanical engineering experience (or equivalent internships/co-ops).
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software like SolidWorks.
- Understanding of mechanical design principles, machine elements, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Key Competencies:
- Knowledge of ball screw architecture, geometry optimization, preload techniques, and mechanical efficiency factors.
- Expertise in failure modes, reliability engineering, and life prediction specific to rolling-element mechanisms.
- Ability to present complex technical material clearly.
- Strong skills in risk management, trade studies, and data-driven decision making.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with electromechanical actuator systems.
- Background in high-precision manufacturing or grinding/thread-rolling process development.
- Familiarity with DO-160, MIL-STD environmental qualification, or similar aerospace standards.
- Six Sigma, DFSS, or advanced reliability engineering certification.
Operational Details / Work Environment:
- Primarily office-based engineering role with occasional hands-on testing or lab assignments.
- Infrequent travel to clients, suppliers, or test facilities.
- Personal Protective Equipment may be necessary in select manufacturing or laboratory environments.
Work Authorization / Security Clearance:
To adhere to Export Control regulations, this role requires a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
