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Machine Design Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

MACHINE OPERATOR

Appleton, WI · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Review CAD files and job specifications to determine machine settings and cutting requirements. * Start, warm up, calibrate, and operate industrial lasers, high-speed routers, and laminating ...

Mechanical Designer

Mukwonago, WI · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Minimum 2-year degree in mechanical design. 2-5 years of relevant machine design experience. Experience with SolidWorks Advanced Assembly, Sheet Metal, Routings, and Drawings. Experience with ...

Proven and proficient machine design skills using both 3D and 2D platforms. This candidate must be able to work alone or in a team environment with engineers and other designers to identify ...

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled CAD Designer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled CAD Designer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Manager would like to see degrees in ME or an equivalent, machine design, industrial, etc. Manager would like to see candidates with 5-7 years' applicable experience in their background Ability to ...

... machine design, troubleshooting, and manufacturing processes Experience with PLC/HMI systems, electrical controls, and automation Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MS Office Experience with ...

Design Engineer

Muskego, WI · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Design Engineer

Muskego, WI · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

Gain exposure to automation, motion control, machine design, and industrial software systems * Flexible first shift schedule What Makes This Role Different At EMT, engineers are closely connected to ...

Sales Application Engineer

Greenville, WI · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

Actively design new machine concepts for best in class solutions with customers. * Develop proposal layouts using 2D AutoCAD or 3D Solidworks and present to customers. * Work with engineering to ...

New

CAD Designer

Muskego, WI · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Northern Gear & Machining is looking for a skilled CAD Designer to join our growing team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into accurate, manufacturable designs and ...

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Machine Design information

See Wisconsin salary details

$58.5K

$84K

$131.7K

How much do machine design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine design in Wisconsin is $83,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $92,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Design vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectMachine DesignMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Professional Engineer (PE) beneficialBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; PE licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, office settingsDesign, testing labs, manufacturing plants, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on creating and improving specific machine components and systemsBroader scope including thermodynamics, materials, and system integration

Machine Design specializes in developing specific machine components and systems, often requiring detailed design skills. Mechanical Engineering covers a wider range of engineering principles, including thermodynamics, materials, and system analysis. While both roles share similar credentials and work environments, Machine Design is more focused on the detailed creation of machines, whereas Mechanical Engineering encompasses a broader engineering scope.

What is machine design?

Machine design is the process of creating new machines or improving existing ones to meet specific needs or solve particular problems. It involves applying engineering principles to select materials, determine dimensions, and specify manufacturing methods for machine components. The process includes conceptualization, detailed design, analysis, testing, and documentation. Machine designers often use CAD software and simulation tools to visualize and test their designs before production. Their work is critical in industries ranging from automotive to manufacturing and robotics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in machine design roles, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in machine design often encounter challenges such as balancing cost constraints with performance requirements, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as manufacturing, electrical, and quality assurance, is crucial to address these challenges. Staying updated with the latest CAD software, simulation tools, and engineering best practices can also help streamline the design process and improve outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical engineering, 3D modeling, and design principles, generally supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) and familiarity with manufacturing processes and material selection is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating concepts into practical solutions. These skills ensure that machine designs are efficient, manufacturable, and meet both technical specifications and client needs.
What job categories do people searching Machine Design jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Design jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Machine Design job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,954 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Design Hire LLC

Madison, WI

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support product development, mechanical design, modeling, analysis, and production release. This role is ideal for someone who is strong in SolidWorks and can design components and assemblies across plastics, sheet metal, and mechanical systems.


Role Focus

  • Mechanical product design from concept through production
  • 3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, and design documentation
  • Engineering analysis involving FEA, CFD, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics
  • Design for manufacturability across plastics, sheet metal, and mechanical components
  • Prototype support, testing, troubleshooting, and design improvements


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop new products, components, assemblies, and mechanical systems using SolidWorks.
  • Create detailed models, drawings, BOMs, specifications, and engineering documentation.
  • Evaluate designs for performance, strength, thermal behavior, fluid flow, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Support prototype builds, product testing, validation, and design changes.
  • Work with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and production teams to resolve technical issues.
  • Improve existing products through design updates, root cause analysis, and performance feedback.
  • Support release of designs into production with accurate drawings, tolerances, and documentation.


Required Experience

  • Mechanical engineering or product design experience in a manufacturing or product development environment.
  • Strong SolidWorks experience with parts, assemblies, drawings, and design documentation.
  • Working knowledge of FEA, CFD, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, or related engineering analysis.
  • Experience designing plastic parts, sheet metal components, machined parts, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to apply engineering judgment to solve design, testing, and production issues.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturability, tolerances, materials, and mechanical performance.


Preferred Experience

  • Experience with injection molded plastics, thermoformed plastics, or plastic part design.
  • Experience with sheet metal design, fabrication methods, bend allowances, and production tolerances.
  • Background with consumer products, industrial products, equipment, machinery, HVAC, thermal systems, or fluid systems.
  • Experience taking products from early concept through prototype, validation, and production launch.


Equal Opportunity Statement
Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


Employment Eligibility
If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.