Mechanical Engineer, Ball Screw Design
Freeland, MI | $100,000 to $150,000 Per Year
This role supports the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of precision ball screw assemblies used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. Working under the guidance of senior engineering staff, the position performs mechanical design, engineering analysis, prototype development, testing, and manufacturing support to deliver high performance motion control products.
Schedule
Full time, primarily office based with periodic hands on testing or lab work. Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or test facilities.
Compensation
$100,000 to $150,000 per year, based on experience.
What You'll Do
The engineer designs ball screw components including screw shafts, nuts, return systems, recirculation mechanisms, and drive interfaces, while creating and maintaining detailed CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation. This person assists in defining preload, geometry, lubrication, and performance requirements, and performs engineering calculations related to load capacity, fatigue life, stiffness, backlash, friction, torque, and thermal performance. The role includes supporting finite element analysis and validation activities, evaluating component performance through analytical modeling, and supporting laboratory testing, endurance testing, load testing, efficiency evaluations, and prototype validation. The engineer analyzes test results, recommends design improvements, and assists with failure investigations and root cause analysis. Close collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering supports machining, grinding, assembly, and inspection activities, including manufacturability reviews and design improvements. The role also involves supporting Engineering Change Orders and design revisions, preparing engineering reports, calculations, specifications, and design documentation, participating in design reviews and technical meetings, and maintaining engineering records per company procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- 2 to 5 years of mechanical engineering experience (or equivalent internship/co-op experience)
- Experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks
- Understanding of mechanical design principles, machine elements, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- 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 deliver complex technical material clearly
- Strong capability in risk management, trade studies, and data driven decision making
- Must qualify as a "US Person" under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) due to export control compliance requirements for this role
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with electromechanical actuator systems
- Background in high precision manufacturing or grinding/thread rolling process development
- Experience with DO-160, MIL-STD environmental qualification, or similar aerospace standards
- Six Sigma, DFSS, or advanced reliability engineering certification
Compensation and Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- 401(k) with company match
To apply, submit your resume for consideration.
