Mechanical Design Engineer

American Precision Engineering (APE) designs and builds mission-critical systems, tools, and components for companies pushing the limits of technology, including aerospace, defense, robotics, and advanced energy. We are an engineering-led, high-mix manufacturing company focused on precision, speed, and disciplined execution.

We are looking for a Manufacturing & Design Engineer who can design robust mechanical solutions and then personally manage their execution through a highly efficient manufacturing system. This role lives at the intersection of engineering intent and shop-floor reality.

This is not a pure design role and not a purely administrative role. It requires technical depth, ownership, and attention to detail.

What You’ll Do

Design mechanical systems, fixtures, weldments, and assemblies to solve customer problems.

Produce clear, manufacturable CAD models and drawings.

Work directly with customers to define requirements and constraints.

Design with manufacturability, inspection, and assembly in mind.

Manufacturing Execution

Own jobs from release through shipment.

Ensure routing, documentation, and requirements are correct before work starts.

Coordinate closely with machining, fabrication, welding, inspection, and outside vendors.

Identify and resolve issues before they create rework or delays.

Continuously improve internal processes and workflows.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Strong mechanical intuition and problem-solving ability.

Professional level skills with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).

Experience designing parts or assemblies that are actually manufactured.

High attention to detail and personal accountability.

Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a machine shop or fabrication environment.

Familiarity with GD&T and general tolerance stack-ups.

Experience supporting prototypes or low-volume production.

Comfort working directly with machinists, welders, and fabricators.

Process-driven mindset with a bias toward continuous improvement.

This Role Is Not a Fit If You:

Only want to design and do not want involvement in execution.

Avoid accountability for schedule, cost, or quality.

Struggle with ambiguity or fast-moving priorities.

Prefer large corporate environments with narrow roles.

$100,000 – $130,000 per year, depending on experience and demonstrated capability.

Compensation is based on your ability to design manufacturable solutions and execute them through a disciplined manufacturing system. We don’t care so much how long you’ve been doing something as compared with how good you are at it. Performance and ownership matter.

Performance Bonus:

Eligible for an annual performance bonus tied to execution quality, on-time delivery, and meaningful process improvements.

Benefits Include:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional education stipend
• Meaningful influence on how the company operates
• Long-term growth opportunity as the company scales

Why APE

At APE, you will work on real engineering problems for companies pushing the boundaries of technology.You’ll see your designs built, and have direct impact on quality, efficiency, and outcomes. Engineers who take ownership, sweat the details, and like being challenged to innovate every day thrive here.