Mechanical Engineer II

Position Overview

The Mechanical Engineer II independently designs and develops complex automotive test equipment and custom automated machinery from concept through installation and commissioning. This role collaborates with customers and cross functional teams, provides technical support throughout the project life cycle and assists in mentoring junior engineering staff.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complete machine systems, assemblies, and components with minimal supervision, ensuring compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and company design practices.
• Create and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation for custom machinery and automotive test equipment.
• Perform engineering calculations, design analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) to validate mechanical designs and ensure product reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with customers, project managers, and cross-functional engineering teams to define system requirements, resolve technical challenges, and support project execution.
• Provide engineering support during fabrication, machine assembly, testing, installation, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring effective communication, documentation accuracy, and adherence to project schedules.
• Mentor Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technicians by providing technical guidance and support in design methodologies, documentation, and engineering best practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, design efficiency, standardization, and manufacturing effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in machine design, custom automation, automotive testing equipment, or a related engineering field.
• Strong knowledge of machine design principles, mechanical systems, engineering calculations, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software; experience with Inventor and/or SolidWorks preferred. Ability to create complete machine models, assembly layouts, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Experience performing engineering analysis, including FEA, component sizing, and mechanical calculations to support design decisions.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, ASME drafting standards, bill of material (BOM) development, and engineering documentation practices.
• Basic understanding of pneumatic and hydraulic systems used in automated machinery and industrial equipment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate with customers, and provide technical leadership. Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 5-10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive testing, custom machinery, machine-building, or industrial automation environments.
• Experience supporting machine startup, commissioning, installation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Familiarity with design validation, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers, engineering technicians, or project team members.

Ascential Technologies is a global industrial technology company with operations spanning automotive testing and validation, medical and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Our Grand Rapids, MI site is part of the Burke Porter Group — a recognized leader in vehicle testing, automation, and end-of-line measurement systems. We build with precision. We operate with purpose. And we’re looking for people who bring that same standard to every part of the business.