Independent Contractor Oil Rig Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

A leading engineering design organization based in Little Canada, MN, we specialize in the development of industrial systems, heavy mobile equipment, and advanced mechanical technologies for demanding field environments. Our work centers on designing and engineering robust, highperformance mobile machinery used across the construction, forestry, agricultural, and energy sectors.

We engineer equipment and mechanical systems that must perform reliably under extreme loads, harsh climates, and continuous duty cycles. Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise, handson prototyping, and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you excel at designing largescale mobile platforms, offhighway machinery, or fielddeployed mechanical systems, you will thrive here.

This role requires daily onsite collaboration at our Little Canada, MN facility to support prototype builds, design reviews, equipment teardowns, and crossfunctional engineering activities.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design, optimization, and validation of advanced mobile mechanical systems used in demanding industrial and oil & gas applications. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys handson problemsolving, mechanical creativity, and building equipment that performs reliably in highpressure, highload, and highcycle environments.

This position is 100% onsite at our Minneapolis-St. Paul facility. No remote or hybrid work is available.

Requirements

• Mobile Equipment Design - Engineer and develop heavy mobile mechanical systems including hydraulic circuits, structural frames, lifting mechanisms, powertrain components, and offhighway machine assemblies.
• System Performance Optimization - Improve reliability, durability, and efficiency of mobile platforms operating in harsh construction, forestry, agricultural, and energysector environments.
• CAD Modeling & Drafting - Produce detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using Inventor (preferred), ProE/Creo, or SolidWorks.
• Prototype Build & Validation - Support onsite prototype fabrication, testing, and iterative refinement; validate designs against structural, hydraulic, and functional performance requirements.
• Field Issue Troubleshooting - Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and structural issues on mobile equipment; implement corrective actions to reduce downtime and improve field reliability.
• CrossFunctional Collaboration - Work closely with customer's manufacturing, fabrication, electrical/hydraulic engineering, and fieldservice teams to deliver robust, fieldready equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's a plus).
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in heavy mobile equipment, offhighway machinery, or related industries (construction, forestry, agriculture, mining, or energy).
• Proficiency in Inventor, ProE/Creo, or SolidWorks for complex assemblies and largescale mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, power units, drivetrains, structural weldments, and mobile mechanical assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept through prototype, testing, and production release.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and technical reporting skills for design reviews, engineering change processes, and crossteam collaboration.

• 100% OnSite at our Little Canada, MN engineering and prototyping facility-daily presence required.
• Handson collaboration with mechanical engineers, hydraulic specialists, fabricators, machinists, and field technicians.
• Direct involvement in prototype builds, equipment teardowns, design reviews, and onsite testing.
• Occasional travel (~10%) to customer sites, fieldtesting locations, and fabrication partners.

Benefits

We value our team's well-being and offer a robust benefits package to support your professional and personal growth:

• Competitive Compensation: An attractive Base Salary and Performance bonuses, commensurate with experience.
• Personal Time Off (PTO): Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time off to recharge and maintain work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match to secure your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Disability Protection: Short-term and long-term disability plans for peace of mind.