Overview

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop complex, custom automation equipment in an OEM environment. This is a highly hands-on, design-focused role offering end-to-end ownership from concept through production. Location: Sarasota, FL Job Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $115,000-$135,000/year Day-to-Day: Design and develop mechanical, electro-mechanical, and pneumatic systems for automated machinery Create and maintain detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials (BOMs) Collaborate with manufacturing, electrical engineering, and other teams to prototype, test, and validate designs Troubleshoot issues and drive improvements through root cause analysis and innovation Provide technical support to production, purchasing, and service teams Ensure designs meet customer specifications, performance standards, and regulatory requirements Take ownership of projects from initial concept through production with minimal supervision Requirements: 5-7+ years of experience designing capital equipment in an OEM/machine-building environment Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) Experience with: Machine design (assemblies, components, full systems) and engineering drawings, dimensioning, and BOM creation Experience working with automation systems (pneumatics, motion systems, conveyors) Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering and production teams Nice-to-Haves: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Experience with packaging machinery (cartoning, pouching, form-fill-seal, etc.) Background in highly customized or high-speed automation equipment Exposure to cross-functional work with electrical engineering teams Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As