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Precision Design Engineer

Confidential Client•Manufacturing & Industrial
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$92,279
Lenoir Rhyne, North Carolina
A Day Ago

The Precision Design Engineer at Confidential Client supports the development of precision machine systems and components for prototype and manufacturing applications. This role involves mechanical design, CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, prototyping, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver practical machine solutions. It offers structured growth opportunities in precision engineering and machine design within a leading materials science company.

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Description

About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.


Position overview

This early-career Precision Design Engineer role supports the development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixtures, and mechanical components for research, prototype, and plant-floor manufacturing applications. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers to translate product/process needs into CAD models, drawings, prototypes, and implementation activities. This role provides structured skill-building in precision machine design, tolerance analysis, metrology, and system integration while offering opportunities for increased responsibility.


What You’ll Do

  • Support the mechanical design and development of precision machines, tooling, fixturing, and components for R&D and manufacturing.
  • Translate product and process requirements into mechanical requirements, concepts, layouts, 3D models, and detailed drawings.
  • Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, bills of materials, and supporting documentation following established standards.
  • Perform basic engineering calculations and tolerance analyses for fits, stack-ups, loads, deflection, stiffness, thermal effects, and motion.
  • Specify and select standard mechanical components (bearings, linear guides, ball screws, motors, couplings, sensors, fasteners, etc.) with appropriate technical review.
  • Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback addressing safety, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Build and test proof-of-concept prototypes using laboratory, machine-shop, and metrology resources.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and internal trades to obtain parts, resolve fabrication questions, and support assembly and installation.
  • Assist with machine setup, debugging, qualification, and implementation in laboratory or manufacturing environments.
  • Execute defined test plans, collect and organize data, compare results to requirements, and document findings.
  • Participate in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of mechanical and system-level issues and escalate complex concerns when needed.
  • Maintain clear communication of progress, risks, and technical results to project teams and maintain accurate engineering records.

Travel

  • Estimated travel: 10%–25% depending on project needs (equipment installation, supplier visits, startup support, internal customer interactions).

Required education & experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Entry-level to 2 years relevant experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering. Relevant co-op, internship, research, or senior design project experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated application of mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic projects, internships, co-ops, research, or professional work.

Required skills

  • Foundational experience designing mechanical components, fixtures, tooling, or equipment via academic, internship, co-op, research, or professional work.
  • Working knowledge of statics, dynamics, materials, machine elements, manufacturing processes, fits, tolerances, and basic measurement principles.
  • Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings and apply dimensioning and tolerancing practices.
  • Experience using CAD software; SolidWorks experience preferred. Familiarity with data management systems such as Vault is a plus.
  • Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, organize technical information, and use data to support design decisions.
  • Strong problem-solving, organization, teamwork, and time-management skills.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills and willingness to seek guidance and incorporate feedback.

Desired skills

  • Internship, co-op, research, senior-design, or professional experience in machine design, automation equipment, precision mechanisms, tooling, or fixturing.
  • Exposure to geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-ups, design for manufacturability and assembly, or finite element analysis.
  • Familiarity with precision measurement tools (CMMs, laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, precision levels, indicators).
  • Experience with motion systems, motors, encoders, sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, or LabVIEW-based setups.
  • Hands-on experience supporting prototype builds, lab testing, fabrication, assembly, or equipment debugging.
  • Ability to work safely and effectively in a hands-on development environment with shifting priorities.

Compensation & benefits

  • Salary range (full-time): $68,243.00 – $93,835.00. Starting pay depends on job-related factors such as geographic location, market conditions, experience, training, and education.
  • Benefits highlights (provided by our client): company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives, retirement savings and employer contributions, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid parental leave, paid time off, company-paid life insurance and disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and programs to support career development and recognition.

Work authorization & sponsorship

  • This position does not support immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Equal Employment & Accommodations

Careertakes and our client are committed to equal employment opportunity. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs are available upon request.


Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.

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