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Mechanical Design Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Caledonia, MI · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Manage mechanical design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning * Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during fabrication and commissioning * Evaluate customer ...

Manage mechanical design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning * Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during fabrication and commissioning * Evaluate customer ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Wixom, MI · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Responsibilities Design and develop custom mechanical equipment and ... Manage multiple engineering projects from concept through production. Provide technical support ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Automation Location: Holland, MI Company: GableTek Industry ... Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting aggressive project schedules. Required ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Industrial Automation Location: Holland, MI Company: GableTek Industry ... Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting aggressive project schedules. Required ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Design and evolve mechanical systems from concept to prototype level ... Manage CAD resources to develop 3D models and 2D prints * Conduct hardware development tasks ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Design and evolve mechanical systems from concept to prototype level ... Manage CAD resources to develop 3D models and 2D prints * Conduct hardware development tasks ...

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Allen Park, MI · Hybrid

$69K - $93K/yr

Design and evolve mechanical systems from concept to prototype level ... Manage CAD resources to develop 3D models and 2D prints * Conduct hardware development tasks ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Design and evolve mechanical systems from concept to prototype level ... Manage CAD resources to develop 3D models and 2D prints * Conduct hardware development tasks ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Design Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$43.6K

$86.2K

$141.2K

How much do mechanical design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design manager in Michigan is $86,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $103,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical design manager do?

A Mechanical Design Manager oversees the design and development of mechanical components and systems within a company. They lead a team of engineers and designers, manage project timelines, and ensure that designs meet technical specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments, such as manufacturing and production, to ensure seamless transitions from design to implementation. Their role also involves mentoring team members and driving innovation within mechanical design processes.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Manager, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, project management, and design principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), PLM systems, and relevant certifications like PMP or PE is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding managers apart in coordinating teams and delivering innovative solutions. These competencies are critical for efficiently leading design projects, ensuring technical excellence, and meeting business goals in a competitive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical design managers when leading cross-functional teams?

Mechanical Design Managers often navigate the complexity of coordinating between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance teams. One common challenge is ensuring that design intent is clearly communicated and understood by all stakeholders, which helps prevent costly misinterpretations or delays. Balancing project timelines with the need for thorough design reviews and iterative improvements can also be demanding. Effective Mechanical Design Managers foster strong collaboration, set clear expectations, and proactively address conflicts to keep projects on track.

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

AspectMechanical Design ManagerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees design teams, manages projectsDesigns and analyzes mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceUsed across similar industries for technical roles
Search IntentManagement, leadership, project oversightTechnical design, analysis, development

The main difference is that a Mechanical Design Manager oversees design teams and manages projects, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis. The manager role involves leadership and coordination, whereas the engineer role is more hands-on with engineering tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Mechanical Design Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Mechanical Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,160 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

koch

Caledonia, MI • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer – Custom Automation Equipment

Koch Finishing Systems  |  Caledonia, MI (Grand Rapids Area)  |  Full-Time

Koch Finishing Systems is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We design and build custom automated finishing systems used for cleaning, stripping, electroplating, coating, and conversion coating across a wide range of industries. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex, real-world automation challenges and seeing designs come to life on the shop floor.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary range: $85,000–$115,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Occasional travel for customer visits, installation, and commissioning support
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and engineer custom automated machinery (capital equipment) to meet customer specifications and quality standards
  • Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings using CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar)
  • Collaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated automated systems
  • Manage mechanical design from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning
  • Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during fabrication and commissioning
  • Evaluate customer requirements, budgets, and timelines to develop effective machine design solutions
  • Participate in customer-facing concept and design reviews
  • Support project scheduling and execution with the Project Management team
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical design for custom automated machinery, capital equipment, or special machine design
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar); PLM/PDM experience a plus
  • Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, including pneumatics, hydraulics, servo/precision motion, and sheet metal or weldment design
  • Experience with GD&T and detailed mechanical drawings (DFM/DFA)
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and assembly
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or within a team
Why Koch Finishing Systems

You will be part of a team that delivers highly engineered, custom automation solutions used by manufacturers worldwide, with the opportunity to see your designs through from concept to installation. We're guided by our core values of Integrity, Respect for People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Community Involvement.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Including disability/veteran