Freelance Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Description

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities: 

Product Design & Engineering Execution

• Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
• Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
• Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
• Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.

CAD, BOM, and Documentation

• Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
• Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
• Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

• Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
• Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
• Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

• Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
• Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

• Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
• Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
• Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
• Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
• Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.