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Mechanical Design Automation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Need * 5+ years in mechanical or product design, with real, original design work in ... This is the core of the automation side of the job, not a nice-to-have. Being an Inventor user isn ...

Design & Automation Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

What You Need * 5+ years in mechanical or product design, with real, original design work in ... This is the core of the automation side of the job, not a nice-to-have. Being an Inventor user isn ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Mechanical Design Engineer creates ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN

$64K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Mechanical Design Engineer creates ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Design automation equipment and sellable industrial (non-automation) equipment. * Occasionally support equipment troubleshooting and improvements. * Design, prototype, test, and document mechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Design automation equipment and sellable industrial (non-automation) equipment. * Occasionally support equipment troubleshooting and improvements. * Design, prototype, test, and document mechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Mechanical Design Engineer creates ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Design automation equipment and sellable industrial (non-automation) equipment. * Occasionally support equipment troubleshooting and improvements. * Design, prototype, test, and document mechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Design automation equipment and sellable industrial (non-automation) equipment. * Occasionally support equipment troubleshooting and improvements. * Design, prototype, test, and document mechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Role We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of custom industrial machinery, automation equipment, robotic tooling, and mechanical systems. This role owns ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ATC Automation is seeking a hands-on and innovative Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical development of custom automation machinery and tooling systems at our Simi Valley, CA ...

Showing results 21-40

Mechanical Design Automation information

See salary details

$65K

$97.1K

$155K

How much do mechanical design automation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design automation in the United States is $97,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mechanical design automation?

Mechanical design automation refers to the use of computer-aided tools and software to automate and streamline the process of designing mechanical systems and components. It allows engineers to quickly create, modify, and analyze designs, reducing manual effort and errors. This approach improves efficiency, enables rapid prototyping, and enhances collaboration by integrating design, simulation, and documentation processes. Mechanical design automation is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to accelerate product development and innovation.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD modeling, and automation programming, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, as well as experience with automation tools like MATLAB, Python, or specialized PLM systems, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this field. These skills and qualities enable efficient, innovative design solutions and seamless integration of automated processes in complex engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in mechanical design automation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Mechanical Design Automation often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation tools with legacy CAD systems, managing complex design iterations, and ensuring cross-functional collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams. Staying current with evolving software and industry standards can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous learning, fostering open communication across departments, and leveraging automation best practices to streamline workflows and reduce manual errors.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Automation vs Mechanical CAD Designer?

AspectMechanical Design AutomationMechanical CAD Designer
Primary FocusDeveloping and implementing automated tools and systems for mechanical design processesCreating detailed 2D/3D CAD models and drawings for mechanical components and assemblies
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, CAD software proficiency, systems integrationCAD software expertise, drafting, geometric modeling
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, automation software companies, manufacturing industriesDesign studios, manufacturing companies, engineering departments
CertificationsCAD software certifications, engineering degrees, automation tools trainingCAD certifications, mechanical engineering degrees

Mechanical Design Automation focuses on creating automated systems to streamline mechanical design tasks, while Mechanical CAD Designers concentrate on producing detailed CAD models and drawings. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the mechanical design process.

More about Mechanical Design Automation jobs

What states have the most Mechanical Design Automation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mechanical Design Automation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Automation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,090 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Design & Automation Engineer

Lava Island

Aurora, CO

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Welcome to Lava Island

Lava Island is an indoor play oasis where kids fly across trampolines, vanish into towering jungle gyms, dive into foam pits, and race down slides while families share pizza and celebrate birthdays in the party rooms. It is loud, bright, and full of energy.


Every trampoline, deck, slide, and play piece is made by hand. Active Play Solutions (APS) is the team that makes them. Before any of it gets built, somebody has to design it. That is you.


The Job

You will own original product design for Lava Island's playground and jump deck equipment, built in Autodesk Inventor, from first concept through build-ready specification. You will also design the automation, using iLogic, that makes APS's production floor smarter and more efficient as manufacturing scales.


This is a from-scratch role. You are not maintaining files somebody else built, you are the one building them, and you will lead APS's move from AutoCAD to Inventor, training the team on the new way of working as you go.


Why APS

  • Real design authority. Build from concept, not from a spec somebody else already made.
  • Two disciplines, one seat. Product design and automation both live on your desk.
  • Build something. The CAD standards and design library for APS are being built right now. You help set how it runs.
  • Own the transition. Lead the move to Inventor and shape how design works here going forward.
  • Denver home base. On-site, minimal travel.
  • Per company benefits program.

What You Will Do

Design the equipment

  • Design playground and jump deck equipment from concept through build-ready specification in Autodesk Inventor.
  • Review drawings and models for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with our design standards.
  • Build a library of reusable design templates, standard parts, and design documentation for APS.

Build the automation

  • Design and refine warehouse automation and machine programming, using iLogic and Inventor's API, as production volume scales.
  • Evaluate and recommend equipment and tooling upgrades that improve manufacturing efficiency.

Lead the transition

  • Move APS from AutoCAD to Inventor, building the training materials and coaching the team through it.

Coordinate across teams

  • Work with the Design/architecture team in Revit so equipment integrates cleanly with building layouts.
  • Partner with production floor leadership to refine designs based on real build feedback.


What You Need

  • 5+ years in mechanical or product design, with real, original design work in Autodesk Inventor, not just editing existing files.
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor for Mechanical Design (or equivalent) is strongly preferred, and matters more to us than a four-year degree. Real, demonstrated Inventor and iLogic experience is what we're looking for.
  • Hands-on iLogic experience. This is the core of the automation side of the job, not a nice-to-have. Being an Inventor user isn't enough on its own; we need someone who has actually built iLogic rules and automation.
  • Strong working knowledge of Inventor iProperties, including their role in drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation.
  • Experience integrating CAD design with automation, CNC, or robotics systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
  • Comfortable teaching others a new tool and new design standards.
  • Comfortable working on-site in a production/warehouse environment.
  • Comfort with email, digital documentation, and design/PDM systems. APS operates in a Microsoft 365 environment.


Background in playground, amusement, or structural steel manufacturing is a plus. So is familiarity with Revit, experience building configurable product models, experience with process automation or "smart" manufacturing systems, and having led a CAD platform transition before.


Ready to Build What's Next?

If you want to be the one designing what Lava Island builds next, not just running someone else's files, we want to meet you. Apply today.