Mechanical Designer – Technical Lead

Zoetis•Durham, CA

About The Position

The Mechanical Designer – Tech Lead serves as the CAD Services team's subject matter expert in SolidWorks management, large assembly development, and engineering data organization. They help establish and enforce best practices for file management, version control, and the structuring of complex, multi-level Bills of Material (BOMs). This role collaborates cross-functionally to develop and refine Veterinary Medicine devices while ensuring CAD data integrity, model performance, and adherence to industry and internal standards. The Mechanical Designer – Tech Lead also mentors junior team members in the above responsibilities, as well as detailed tolerance analysis, GD&T application, and management of Engineering Change Orders (ECOs). Their expertise is critical in maintaining scalable, well-organized CAD environments that support efficient product development.

Requirements

Sound communication skills to effectively work with cross functional groups.
Excellent organization and time management skills to efficiently execute project and team responsibilities with autonomy.
Expert in SolidWorks or other (CREO, Inventor, NX) 3D CAD software as part of the design and engineering process.
Deep grasp of designing machined and fabricated parts and assemblies, including advanced knowledge of machining practice and fabrication techniques (welding, forming, etc.) for a variety of materials
SME/authority on Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
In depth knowledge of applicable industry specifications (ASME, ANSI, IEC, IPC) and Machinery's Handbook.
Expert in mechanism, mechanical system, and machine design best practices.
AAS/AS/BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Design or similar is desirable, but experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
8+ years engineering experience, preferably in an automated machinery design environment.

Nice To Haves

Solidworks Professional, or Expert Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Design Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Component Engineers, and Product Engineers in the creation and refinement of Veterinary Medicine devices.
Review and critique work, provide learning opportunities for junior level colleagues, and help steer team initiatives.
Manage and maintain large, complex SolidWorks assemblies containing hundreds to thousands of components, utilizing representations, display states, and lightweight modes to optimize model performance and usability.
Help establish, document, and enforce file management standards including product structures, naming conventions, revision control protocols, and vault organization within PDM/PLM systems.
Ensure that model and design best practices for CAD data storage and file integrity are consistently followed.
Assist in CAD administration for the team, helping create and maintain part libraries, templates, and design standards; troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement of CAD tools and workflows.
Develop novel design solutions based on established machine design principles and standards with considerations for part type, material, expected use case, life expectations, and part cost/availability.
Provide expert level application and interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5. Help mentor team to grow in knowledge and application of GD&T.
Create and review elaborate and multi-dimensional tolerance and clearance analysis to evaluate and ensure proper fit and function of parts and products and to inform the appropriate application of GD&T.
Complete and/or check drawings and Engineering Change activities to release new and/or revise and update existing parts, drawings, and assembly Bills of Material.
Re-design and/or modify existing designs, components, and assemblies while working with cross-functional groups including engineering, quality, and manufacturing to ensure desired outcomes are met.
Assist in debugging prototypes and making design updates. Determine necessary modifications and improvements to meet requirements.