Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

About IEM

Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom power distribution systems in North America. Founded more than 75 years ago in Fremont, California, IEM grew alongside Silicon Valley and today operates over 1.7 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. With $1B+ in annual sales and 10,000+ commissioned projects across technology, data centers, commercial, energy, utilities, healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure markets, IEM continues to deliver exceptional product quality, dependable service, and the flexibility to meet complex technical requirements at scale.

Position Summary

The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for executing and supporting complex design-to-order (DTO) projects for IEM's low voltage and medium voltage power distribution products. This role involves extensive 3D modeling and 2D drafting, creating and maintaining BOMs, coordination with internal stakeholders, and ensuring that designs meet project specifications and industry standards. The Senior Engineer plays a critical role in mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentoring and providing guidance to junior engineers and designers, fostering skill development within the team.
• Designing and customizing mechanical solutions to meet client-specific requirements, focusing on manufacturability and compliance with industry and internal standards.
• Performing advanced 3D modeling and creating detailed 2D drawings, including client coordination drawings and fabrication documentation.
• Collaborating with clients, project managers, and internal teams to ensure designs are aligned with project goals and timelines.
• Reviewing designs to maintain accuracy, quality, and compliance with industry guidelines, such as IEEE/ANSI C37.20 and UL 891/1558.
• Providing technical support during manufacturing and installation phases to ensure seamless execution.
• Conducting peer reviews of designs to ensure high-quality deliverables and compliance with engineering standards.
• Assisting in identifying and addressing project challenges, ensuring alignment with timelines and client expectations.

Essential Functions

Design to Order Project Workflow:

• Develop project-specific designs that balance technical requirements, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare high-quality documentation, including fabrication-level drawings and assembly instructions.
• Identify and address discrepancies in BOMs promptly to minimize delays and errors during production.
• Drive workflow templating and automation initiatives to increase project throughput and reduce errors.

Mentorship and Team Development:

• Assist in training junior team members in best practices for 3D SolidWorks modeling, 2D AutoCAD drafting, and compliance with design standards.
• Provide constructive feedback during peer reviews to improve the team's technical output.

Collaboration and Support:

• Partner with the other engineering leaders, manufacturing engineers, and fabrication teams to refine designs for manufacturability.
• Act as a point of contact for technical inquiries during fabrication and installation.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across multiple engineering and manufacturing sites to align expectations and processes.

Qualifications

• BSME or equivalent required, MSME is preferred
• 5-7+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in DTO or custom engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior engineers preferred.
• Experience working in a design-to-order or custom engineering environment is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, utility systems, or the power industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in sheet metal design, including manufacturability and cost optimization.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Pro E; Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of IEEE/ANSI C37.20, UL891/1558 design guidelines and NFPA70E are desirable.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
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Compensation

The salary range for this role is $115,200 - $182,000 per year, based on location, experience, and qualifications.

Location

This position is available in multiple locations, including Vancouver (CAN),  Jacksonville (FL) and Remote.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you'll join a team that powers some of the world's most ambitious projects. We're engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at

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