Entry Level Design Engineer Solidworks Jobs in Madison, WI

Description

Build the Equipment That Builds Athletes

Do you get excited about steel fabrication, weldments, mechanical systems, and seeing a product go from a sketch to a finished machine on the production floor?

At Matrix Fitness, we're looking for a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to help create the next generation of commercial strength equipment used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, universities, professional teams, and health clubs around the world.

This isn't a role where you'll spend all day behind a computer. 

You'll be designing, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and collaborating directly with manufacturing teams to bring innovative strength products to life.

If you have a passion for mechanical design, fabrication, welding, fitness equipment, machinery, automotive projects, racing, off-road vehicles, or building things with your own hands, we'd love to talk with you.

What You'll Take Ownership Of

Design Industry-Leading Strength Equipment

• Design and develop innovative strength training products from concept through production
• Create 3D CAD models, weldments, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks
• Engineer structural steel components, fabricated assemblies, and mechanical mechanisms
• Collaborate with Industrial Designers to transform concepts into production-ready equipment
• Conduct engineering reviews to ensure performance, durability, safety, and manufacturability
• Support product costing, tooling development, and supplier collaboration

Prototype, Build & Test

• Participate in prototype builds and hands-on product testing
• Evaluate product performance, durability, fatigue life, and user experience
• Develop and execute validation plans and test procedures
• Analyze design failures and implement improvements
• Work directly with technicians, welders, fabricators, and manufacturing teams to solve real-world problems

Manufacturing & Product Launch

• Support new product launches from development through production
• Collaborate with domestic and international manufacturing teams
• Travels internationally 2-4 times a year 1-2 weeks at a time for both manufacturing and trade show support.
• Improve product quality, assembly efficiency, and manufacturing processes
• Investigate production issues and implement long-term solutions
• Drive continuous improvement and value engineering initiatives

Requirements

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

We're looking for engineers who enjoy getting out of the office and into the shop. You may be a great fit if you:

• Have work or personal experience with welding, fabrication, machining, automotive projects, racing, motorcycles, or building equipment
• Have experience working with steel structures, weldments, and fabricated assemblies
• Like solving practical mechanical challenges
• Are comfortable working directly with prototypes and production teams
• Want to see your designs become real products used around the world
• Have a passion for strength training, fitness equipment, or sports performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years of mechanical design, product development, or manufacturing engineering experience
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams
• Strong communication and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing welded, fabrication, machined, or manufacturing steel structures.
• Knowledge of strength training equipment, fitness equipment, or sporting goods products
• Experience with FEA, structural analysis, DFMEA, and product validation testing
• Consumer or commercial product development experience
• Familiarity with sheet metal, tubing, castings, and injection-molded components
• Experience supporting products from prototype through mass production

Why Join Matrix?

Make an Impact

Design products used in gyms, universities, professional training facilities, and fitness centers around the world.

Build Real Products

Be involved throughout the entire product lifecycle-from concepts and prototypes to full-scale production.

Work with Industry-Leading Equipment

Help shape the future of commercial strength equipment for one of the most recognized brands in fitness.

Hands-On Engineering

Work closely with prototype shops, testing labs, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to bring products to life.

Global Opportunity

Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams worldwide and travel domestically and internationally.

Strong Team Culture

Join a passionate group of engineers, designers, fitness enthusiasts, builders, and problem-solvers who love creating great products.

Have experience in automotive, motorsports, agriculture equipment, heavy equipment, military equipment, or strength training equipment? We strongly encourage you to apply. Many of the skills developed in these industries translate exceptionally well to designing world-class strength products at Matrix Fitness.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive benefits program for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D for eligible employees.
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options, depending on plan eligibility.
• 401(k) retirement plan options for eligible employees.
• Employee product discount, wellness resources, and additional employee support programs.