1

Machine Designer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

We're looking for an experienced machine designer who wants more than a steady stream of CAD assignments. This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of complex machinery, solve challenging ...

As a Full Time Designer, you will be responsible for utilizing CAD/CAM software to create detailed ... Utilize Mastercam, Bobcad, and Solidworks to program and operate machines. * Perform quality checks ...

Full Time Designer

Darien, WI ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

As a Full Time Designer, you will be responsible for utilizing CAD/CAM software to create detailed ... Utilize Mastercam, Bobcad, and Solidworks to program and operate machines. * Perform quality checks ...

Key Responsibilities Design and detail custom automated machinery while maintaining project schedules and budgets Produce high-quality machine designs aligned with customer quotations and ...

CAD Designer - Machine Shop

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

Work closely with engineers, production managers, and machinists to understand project requirements, gather specifications, and ensure designs are functional and manufacturable. * Analyze existing ...

Customers rely on our machines to produce and convert items such as corrugated boxes, folding ... The Electrical Designer performs a variety of electrical design, application, and checking duties ...

Design machine fixtures and tooling. * Diagnose and troubleshoot dies, fixtures and tooling. * Prepare layouts and designs from data and specifications. * Detail complicated drawings, such as fixture ...

Proven mechanical design experience with machines, piping systems, and tanks in heavy industrial ... Experience designing tanks, skidded piping systems, conveyor lines, shafts, frames, structural ...

Machine Operator

Wausau, WI ยท On-site

$17 - $21.02/hr

Machine Operator Reports to: Manufacturing Supervisor Shift: Day shift and night shifts available ... This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or ...

Machine Operator

Sheboygan, WI ยท On-site

$20/hr

Role Overview As an Machine Operator, you will be trained to set up, operate, and monitor extrusion ... This role is designed for individuals with a strong mechanical interest who are eager to start a ...

Machine Operator

Sheboygan, WI ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This role is designed for individuals with a strong mechanical interest who are eager to start a ... Key Responsibilities Machine Operation & Support * Assist in setting up extrusion machines and ...

Description Role Overview As an Machine Operator, you will be trained to set up, operate, and ... This role is designed for individuals with a strong mechanical interest who are eager to start a ...

Experience in off-highway industries, such as construction equipment, turfcare machinery, or ... Experience designing for original equipment (OE) applications in off-road and on-road markets.

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Designer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$58.5K

$84K

$131.7K

How much do machine designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine designer 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 does a machine designer do?

A machine designer is responsible for creating and developing mechanical systems, machines, or equipment based on specific requirements. They use engineering principles and computer-aided design (CAD) software to design prototypes, analyze performance, and ensure functionality and safety. Machine designers often collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, and clients to refine designs, address technical challenges, and oversee the production process. Their work is essential in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics.

What does a machine designer do?

A machine designer works to research, build, and maintain machines for a company. As a machine designer, your responsibilities are to use techniques and information gathered from the client to develop and design a machine that matches specifications. You collaborate with the mechanical assembler, electrical designer, and other team members to allow for efficient development. Your duties include drafting and drawing designs, adding details, creating lists of materials needed, and communicating directly with clients to ensure their satisfaction with the machinery. You also handle testing and troubleshooting and work to improve existing machines.

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 mechanical engineering knowledge, proficiency in drafting, and experience with machine design principles, generally supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and relevant industry standards is crucial. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to designing reliable, efficient machines that meet client specifications and ensure safe, effective production processes.

What are some common challenges a machine designer faces when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Machine Designers often work closely with engineers, manufacturing teams, and project managers to bring complex machinery from concept to production. A common challenge is ensuring that design specifications align with manufacturing capabilities and cost constraints while meeting performance requirements. Communication and flexibility are key, as feedback from various stakeholders may require iterative design adjustments. Successfully navigating these challenges helps ensure that the final machine design is both innovative and practical.

What is the difference between Machine Designer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMachine DesignerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Professional Engineer (PE) are commonRequires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; PE license often preferred for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, manufacturing plants, and workshops focused on machinery developmentDesign, research, testing labs, and manufacturing settings across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in manufacturing, machinery design, and industrial equipment sectorsBroader application across automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries

While both roles involve mechanical principles, a Machine Designer focuses specifically on creating detailed machinery designs, whereas a Mechanical Engineer has a broader scope including analysis, testing, and system integration. The roles often overlap, but Machine Designers are more specialized in the design process.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Designer jobs in Wisconsin?

For Machine Designer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Designer jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Designer jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Machine Designer jobs in WI?

For Machine Designer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Machine Designer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,954 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Lead Machine Design Engineer (Brown Deer / Northern Milwaukee Area)

Milwaukee, WI โ€ข On-site

$72 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Up to $120,000 Base Salary. Brown Deer, WI Area. 100% Onsite. Full Benefits.

  • EXPERIENCE: 5โ€“10 years of direct experience in heavy, custom machine design-build environments (automation, custom machinery, or high-speed assembly)
  • SOFTWARE: Advanced, expert-level fluency in SolidWorks for complex mechanical machine design and large assembly management
  • TECHNICAL FOCUS: Deep competency in robotic cell integration, high-speed pick-and-place, precision power transmission, pneumatics, and hydraulics
  • FACILITY: Elite, high-growth global OEM with an integrated engineering bay and assembly floor under one roof
  • REQUIREMENTS: US Citizen or Green Card holder residing within a dependable daily driving radius of Brown Deer / Northern Milwaukee County, WI

If you are a veteran machine designer or BSME looking to escape rigid corporate silos, repetitive product tweaks, or being a nameless cog in a large engineering department, this direct-hire seat provides an exceptional career home.

Operating in a 100% SolidWorks environment, you will enjoy the unique privilege of watching your custom creations manufactured, wired, and assembled right on-site. Because the build floor is under the same roof as your design bay, you get an immediate feedback loop with machinists, builders, and controls engineers. Every build is unique, offering high autonomy, continuous technical challenge, and a clear path toward senior engineering leadership.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)
  • Lead the mechanical design integrity and engineering accuracy for high-speed, multi-axis automated machinery and robotic work cells.
  • Develop concepts and collaborate during quoting with Project Managers and cross-functional teams to brainstorm cost-effective, high-performance solutions.
  • Break down complex design scopes into manageable milestones, guiding internal detailers/designers and coordinating with external fabrication partners.
  • Integrate fluid power and drive systems, applying advanced principles to select and implement hydraulics, pneumatics, and servo-driven mechanics.
  • Conduct rigorous early-stage design reviews to eliminate safety hazards (pinch points, interlocking guard needs, ergonomic access) prior to shop release.
  • Serve as a technical point of contact for global clients, ensuring final machine cycle times, guard layouts, and safety specs meet international standards.
  • Manage strict engineering release schedules, track complete Bills of Materials (BOMs), and resolve assembly floor issues in real time.
What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or 5โ€“10 years of verifiable, ground-up custom equipment design experience (heavy machinery or high-speed automation preferred over consumer products).
  • SolidWorks Power User capability, with current daily experience modeling large assemblies, managing configurations, and drafting production-ready drawings.
  • Strong practical manufacturing acuity, including a deep understanding of structural weldments (GMAW/GTAW), material selection, and precision machining tolerances.
  • Demonstrated project leadership habits, with a proven track record of maintaining project schedules, controlling costs, and keeping technical teams aligned.
  • Solid, progressive employment history displaying multi-year tenure and dedication to past employers.
  • Proximity to the facility, residing within a dependable daily commuting distance of the Greater Brown Deer / Northern Milwaukee County area.
#J-18808-Ljbffr