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Machine Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineers possess an understanding of general or proposed designs, lead design support teams ... metal fabrication (Machining, Casting, Sheet Metal, Welding, etc.). · Experience with lean ...

Design Engineers possess an understanding of general or proposed designs, lead design support teams ... Machining, Casting, Sheet Metal, Welding, etc.). • Experience with lean principles. • ...

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CNC Setup Machinist

Albertville, MN · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Programming experience a plus What is it Like to Work at 4th Axis Machine and Design, Inc.? We are a certified NASA facility, and our quality of work speaks for itself. 4th Axis Machine & Design, Inc ...

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CNC Setup Machinist

Albertville, MN · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Programming experience a plus What is it Like to Work at 4th Axis Machine and Design, Inc.? We are a certified NASA facility, and our quality of work speaks for itself. 4th Axis Machine & Design, Inc ...

Sr. Design Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Ensure designs comply with applicable quality, safety, CE, Machinery Directive, and RoHS ... Experience using AI-enabled engineering and design tools to improve product development efficiency.

Posted today

Mechanical Design Engineer

Sauk Rapids, MN · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Designs products to support customer specifications in a precision machining environment. * Use ... Provide engineering documentation such as bill of materials, schematic drawings, design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Machine Design Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$44.6K

$89.7K

$133.7K

How much do machine design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine design engineer in Minnesota is $89,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $100,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine design engineer do?

A Machine Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or machines to meet specific requirements. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create blueprints and models, select appropriate materials, and ensure that designs are cost-effective, functional, and safe. Machine Design Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and manufacturing teams to refine designs and oversee the production process. Their work is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and robotics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine design engineer?

To thrive as a Machine Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FEA simulation software, and knowledge of industry standards is essential, and professional certification (such as PE licensure) is often advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient machines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to bring innovative mechanical solutions to life.

How does a machine design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Machine Design Engineers frequently work alongside manufacturing, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers, to ensure that designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet performance requirements. They participate in regular design reviews, communicate technical concepts, and incorporate feedback from other departments to improve their designs. Effective collaboration is essential, as it helps identify potential issues early and ensures that the final product aligns with overall project objectives and constraints.

What is the difference between Machine Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMachine Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial equipment, machineryProduct development, consumer products, industrial design
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, machinery companies, automation firmsDesign firms, product companies, R&D departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Machine Design Engineers focus on creating and improving machinery and industrial equipment, often working in manufacturing environments. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader scope, designing various mechanical components and products across multiple industries. While both roles require similar qualifications and skills, their primary focus and work settings differ.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Machine Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Machine Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Machine Design Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Design Engineer jobs in MN?

For Machine Design Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Machine Design Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,692 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Staff Design Engineer/Senior Staff Design Engineer-Hayward, MN

Hormel Foods Corporation

Hayward, MN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Hormel Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

STAFF DESIGN ENGINEER / SENIOR STAFF DESIGN ENGINEER - CORPORATE ENGINEERING (HAYWARD, MN)

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.  For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. hormelfoods.com.

This position, along with other design engineers and programming technicians, reports the Supervising Staff Engineer.

The position offered will be either a Staff Design Engineer or Senior Staff Design Engineer position based on experience and qualifications.

Relocation is eligible for this role. 
RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is accountable for the control and electrical engineering development and execution of equipment design and engineering assignments of moderate to high complexity for our production operations.  The assignments range from new equipment design and development, to managing the activity of contractors to meet customer needs.  Projects generally support process automation implementation, capacity expansion, and new product initiatives.  This position also supervises hourly technicians in their assignments and may be assigned to supervise a staff level engineer.

The person in this position is responsible for:

  • Leading a project team that is varied in function and perspective to deliver moderate to highly complex process, machine, or system designs that are processing equipment in nature.  The results must be in alignment with functional, sanitary, ergonomic, cost and maintainability objectives.

  • Effectively utilizing machine design software and tools available to make machines function as required per project requirements.

  • Leading the efforts to ensure an effective transfer of ownership of projects to the plant customer.  This includes manuals and documentation; training of operations, maintenance, and sanitation personnel; and any other appropriate items the customer will need to fully own and operate the delivered equipment.

  • Ensuring that all legal, regulatory, and internal requirements are adhered to during the project development and execution process.

  • Documenting the design process in a way that aligns with the requirements of our Legal Department as necessary.

  • Leading, training, developing, and supporting the efforts of contract designers, senior programming technicians, engineering technicians; and possibly an entry level salaried engineer.

  • Developing and leading continuous improvement initiatives that make the Engineering R&D team more effective and efficient.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required

  • Highly developed skills with currently utilized electrical / controls engineering tools.  Examples include Rockwell Automation design suites and AutoCad.

  • Proven ability to lead a project in a diverse team environment using generally accepted project management best practices.

  • Ability to lead projects through Hormel Foods' project management processes.

  • A strong pattern of initiative, innovation, and creativity.

  • Proven team leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Well-developed organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to prioritize and balance many tasks simultaneously.

  • Previously obtained CMRP (Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional) or ability to achieve certification in 18 months or less.

  • Good driving record acceptable by Hormel Foods and Lou Rich insurance so this position can utilize the fleet of department vehicles.

  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
  • Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions)   

Preferred

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or another technical field.

  • 5 years of experience in a Maintenance Engineer, Staff Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Project Engineer, or similar engineering role 

  • Successful completion of the Dale Carnegie 36 hour leadership/speaking training course.

Compensation/Benefits:

  • Compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage,  discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

  • The base pay range for this position $86,575 to $144,375 per year; however, actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills set, level of experience, and specific office location. 

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.


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