Mechanical Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Product Designer

Company: The Misch Group

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Product Design / Mechanical Engineering

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end mechanical design process for high-end modular aluminum cabinet systems and related accessories.

• Leverage advanced SolidWorks proficiency for detailed 3D modeling, assembly creation, and the generation of precise engineering drawings tailored for precision sheet metal fabrication.

• Collaborate intimately with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and overall production cost-effectiveness.

• Play a pivotal role in product lifecycle management, from initial concept development and prototyping through to final implementation and continuous product improvement initiatives.

• Take ownership of design projects in a collaborative, small-team environment, contributing directly to product innovation and process optimization within a U.S. manufacturing company.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Mechanical Product Designer," the responsibilities and required skills strongly align with a Mechanical Design Engineer role, particularly within a precision sheet metal fabrication context. The emphasis on full product lifecycle ownership and close manufacturing collaboration suggests a hands-on, integrated engineering function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and refine mechanical components and assemblies for modular aluminum cabinet systems, storage solutions, and specialty vehicle/trailer applications.

• Create comprehensive 3D models and detailed assemblies within SolidWorks, ensuring accuracy and adherence to product specifications.

• Generate precise engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and technical documentation essential for manufacturing, fabrication, and quality control.

• Design components with a strong emphasis on manufacturability, particularly for precision sheet metal fabrication processes, considering bend allowances, tolerances, and material properties.

• Work collaboratively with shop floor personnel and production teams to gather feedback, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and implement design adjustments for improved efficiency and reduced waste.

• Lead or contribute to product improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for design optimization, cost reduction, or enhanced performance based on manufacturing feedback and market needs.

• Manage design projects from initial concept ideation through to final production implementation, tracking revisions, and maintaining robust design documentation.

• Support cross-functional teams, including sales and leadership, by providing technical expertise, assisting with engineering solutions for customer customization requests, and contributing to sales collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights the "custom nature of the products" and engineers working "across multiple phases of the product lifecycle," indicating a need for adaptability and a broad understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles beyond basic CAD. The role demands proactive engagement with production to drive efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is typically expected for roles with this level of responsibility and technical tool requirement.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, with a strong emphasis on product development within a manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in mechanical product design or mechanical engineering.

• Minimum 2 years of demonstrable proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assembly design, and detailed drawing creation.

• Proven ability to develop comprehensive engineering drawings and technical documentation for manufacturing purposes.

• Strong understanding of mechanical modeling principles and solid design techniques.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring precision in designs and documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with manufacturing teams, production staff, and fabrication specialists.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with cabinet design principles, modular product design, or storage system development.

• Experience working directly within manufacturing facilities and collaborating with shop floor personnel.

• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.

• Experience with prototyping and testing of mechanical components.

• Exposure to customization projects and engineering solutions for specific customer needs.

• Understanding of aluminum fabrication techniques and material properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "precision sheet metal fabrication" and "manufacturing feasibility" suggests that candidates with direct experience in these areas will have a significant advantage. The "collaborative mindset" and "ownership of projects" point towards a need for proactive individuals who can operate with a degree of autonomy in a small team setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your mechanical design process using SolidWorks.

• Include examples of complex 3D models, assemblies, and finished engineering drawings for fabricated parts.

• Present projects where you considered and implemented Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, particularly for sheet metal.

• Highlight projects where you collaborated with manufacturing teams to refine designs for improved efficiency or cost savings, detailing the impact.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of engineering drawings that clearly illustrate dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and manufacturing notes relevant to sheet metal fabrication.

• Showcase your workflow for creating and managing SolidWorks assemblies, including the use of mates, configurations, and PDM (Product Data Management) if applicable.

• Include documentation that reflects your process for addressing design challenges and implementing engineering improvements based on feedback or performance analysis.

• Be prepared to discuss your process for ensuring design intent is accurately translated to manufacturing through clear and concise technical documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on precision sheet metal and close manufacturing collaboration, a portfolio that clearly illustrates these specific capabilities will be highly valued. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, decision-making rationale, and the tangible outcomes of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000 per year. This range is based on the provided information and aligns with typical compensation for Mechanical Product Designers/Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in the Boston, Massachusetts metropolitan area, considering the full-time, on-site work arrangement and the company's focus on specialized manufacturing.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Aflac supplemental insurance options

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

• Paid Vacation time

• Paid Holidays

• Bonus Incentives

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The manufacturing facility operates within standard weekday production hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Overtime may be available on Saturdays (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM) when production demand requires, and the role may occasionally coordinate with extended production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly provided. The description implies a dynamic work environment with potential for overtime, which is common in manufacturing settings to meet production demands. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (High-end Modular Aluminum Cabinet Systems)

Company Size: Small (Based on the description of a "small but highly collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment" and engineers working "across multiple phases of the product lifecycle," suggesting a lean team structure.)

Founded: Not specified, but positioned as an established U.S. manufacturing company.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team is small and highly collaborative, working closely with production staff.

• Engineers are expected to contribute to multiple stages of the product lifecycle, indicating cross-functional integration within the engineering department.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes a hands-on, integrated approach to product development and manufacturing.

• Data-driven decisions are implicitly encouraged through product improvement and manufacturing feedback loops.

• Workflow optimization is a key focus, with engineers collaborating to refine designs for efficiency.

• Automation is likely utilized in manufacturing processes, requiring designers to understand capabilities.

Company Website: https://stonehendricks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be one of agility, collaboration, and shared ownership. This environment suits individuals who thrive in dynamic settings, enjoy direct impact, and are comfortable working closely with different departments to achieve common goals. The "custom nature of the products" suggests a focus on innovation and problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an early to mid-career opportunity within Mechanical Design Engineering. It offers significant exposure to the full product lifecycle and direct involvement in manufacturing processes, which is foundational for career growth in product development and manufacturing engineering.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to an Engineering Manager or Director of Operations/Engineering, given the small team size. Close interaction with manufacturing leads and potentially company leadership is expected.

Operations Impact: The Mechanical Product Designer has a direct and tangible impact on product quality, manufacturability, cost, and ultimately, customer satisfaction through the design of the company's core products. Their contributions are critical to the company's ability to innovate and maintain its position in the high-end market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in SolidWorks, precision sheet metal design, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

• Project Leadership: Take on more complex design projects, potentially leading small design initiatives or contributing significantly to major product launches.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Expand knowledge into manufacturing processes, quality control, and potentially sales support, developing a holistic understanding of the business.

• Process Improvement: Drive initiatives to optimize design workflows, documentation standards, and collaboration protocols within the engineering and manufacturing departments.

• Advancement: Potential to grow into a Senior Mechanical Designer/Engineer, Engineering Lead, or even a role with broader operational responsibilities as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as one where individuals can "take ownership of projects from concept through completion" in a "small, highly collaborative environment." This suggests ample opportunity for hands-on learning and direct contribution, fostering rapid skill development and career advancement for motivated individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Onsite," implying a dedicated workspace within the company's manufacturing facility or a related office space.

Office Location(s): Brockton, Massachusetts. The job posting also lists Massachusetts more broadly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a close-knit team where engineers work directly with manufacturing staff, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Tools and Technology: Access to SolidWorks and other necessary design and documentation tools will be provided. The environment likely encourages the use of modern CAD/CAM and potentially PDM systems.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with production teams, fabricators, assembly technicians, and potentially sales and leadership will be a daily aspect of the work.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week (Monday-Friday), with potential for overtime and flexible coordination with extended production schedules as needed to meet demand. This requires an understanding of manufacturing timelines and the ability to adapt to production-driven needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite" work arrangement in Brockton, MA, combined with the description of a "small but highly collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment," suggests a hands-on, integrated workspace. Candidates should be comfortable with direct interaction on the manufacturing floor and potentially less formal office settings typical of smaller industrial companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess core mechanical design and SolidWorks skills, as well as relevant manufacturing experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of SolidWorks capabilities, mechanical design principles, sheet metal fabrication understanding, and problem-solving approaches. Expect to be asked about specific projects and design challenges.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where candidates present selected projects, detailing their design process, decision-making rationale, and the outcomes achieved. This is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills.

• Manufacturing/Team Interaction: Potentially meet with members of the manufacturing team or leadership to assess collaborative fit and understanding of production realities.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion of career goals, cultural fit, and a deeper dive into how the candidate can contribute to the company's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase SolidWorks Mastery: Include clear examples of your 3D modeling, complex assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings. Highlight your proficiency in creating drawings suitable for precision sheet metal fabrication.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., improved manufacturability, reduced waste, cost savings, enhanced product function).

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, include examples where your design work directly benefited from or influenced manufacturing processes. Detail your interactions with production teams.

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design methodology step-by-step for at least one key project, explaining your rationale behind critical design decisions.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to modular systems, cabinets, or fabricated metal products if you have them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design scenarios, such as how you would approach designing a specific component for sheet metal fabrication or how you would troubleshoot a manufacturing issue stemming from a design flaw.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and how it applies to sheet metal.

• Consider how you would manage competing priorities in a small team environment, balancing design tasks with production support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "small, highly collaborative environment" and engineers taking "ownership of projects" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who are not only technically proficient but also proactive, communicative, and comfortable working across departments. The portfolio review will be a critical component to validate hands-on skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: This is the core CAD software requirement. Proficiency in 3D modeling, assembly creation, surfacing, and detailed drawing generation is paramount. Expect advanced feature usage.

• Sheet Metal Design Module (SolidWorks): Specific expertise in using SolidWorks' sheet metal tools, including bend tables, flat patterns, and edge flanges, will be critical.

• Product Data Management (PDM) System: While not explicitly stated, larger organizations often use PDM for version control and workflow management of design files. Familiarity is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design choices impact production metrics (e.g., yield, scrap rate, cycle time) is important.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the day-to-day responsibilities of this design role, but understanding how designs interface with sales orders (CRM) and automated manufacturing equipment is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the non-negotiable technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their depth of knowledge within the software, particularly its sheet metal design capabilities. Any additional CAD/CAM or PDM experience would be a strong differentiator in a small team environment where versatility is valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, precision-engineered products that meet stringent standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working closely with manufacturing and other departments, sharing knowledge, and supporting collective goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to develop new product ideas and to constantly refine existing designs and manufacturing processes for better efficiency and performance.

• Ownership & Accountability: Expectation that individuals take responsibility for their projects from concept to completion, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Practicality & Manufacturability: A focus on designing solutions that are not only functional but also practical and cost-effective to produce.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated: Engineers and production staff work hand-in-hand, with open communication channels to discuss design feasibility and manufacturing challenges.

• Iterative: Design processes likely involve cycles of feedback and refinement based on input from the shop floor.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where insights from manufacturing are shared with design and vice versa, fostering a learning environment.

• Results-Oriented: The team is focused on delivering tangible outcomes – well-designed, manufacturable products that meet market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a practical, hands-on approach to engineering within a manufacturing context. Candidates who are team-oriented, detail-focused, and proactive in problem-solving will likely thrive. The "small team" aspect means cultural fit and a willingness to contribute broadly are as important as technical skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Customization with Standardization: Designing unique solutions for custom needs while maintaining efficient manufacturing processes for standardized components.

• Manufacturing Constraints: Adapting designs to the specific capabilities and limitations of precision sheet metal fabrication equipment and processes.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working in a small team where engineers may need to manage multiple projects simultaneously and respond quickly to production needs.

• Bridging Design and Production: Effectively communicating design intent to the shop floor and translating manufacturing feedback back into design revisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen DFM Expertise: Gain extensive practical experience in designing for precision sheet metal fabrication, learning best practices directly from production.

• Broaden Product Lifecycle Knowledge: Experience the full journey of a product from initial concept through design, prototyping, manufacturing, and potential product updates.

• Develop Project Management Skills: Take ownership of design projects, learning to manage timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.

• Cross-Functional Skill Acquisition: Gain exposure to manufacturing operations, quality control, and potentially sales engineering, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced colleagues or leadership in a close-knit team setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to roles in smaller manufacturing companies with custom product lines. These challenges also represent significant growth opportunities, offering hands-on experience and broad exposure that can accelerate a designer's career trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a component for precision sheet metal fabrication. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure manufacturability?" (Focus on DFM, material selection, bend allowances, tolerances.)

• "Walk me through a SolidWorks project where you designed a complex assembly. What was your process for managing parts, mates, and ensuring design integrity?" (Demonstrate workflow, problem-solving, and SolidWorks proficiency.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with manufacturing teams to gather feedback and implement design improvements?" (Highlight communication, receptiveness to feedback, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Misch Group and our product line of modular aluminum cabinet systems?" (Research the company, its products, and market position.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you see yourself fitting into a small, collaborative engineering and manufacturing team?" (Emphasize teamwork, ownership, and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Prioritize projects showcasing SolidWorks, sheet metal design, and any experience with modular systems or fabricated metal products.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your design process, the tools/techniques used (especially SolidWorks features), the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced material waste by 15%", "improved assembly time by 10%").

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, SolidWorks functionality, and manufacturing considerations.

• Show Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for product design and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely probe for practical application of SolidWorks, a solid understanding of sheet metal fabrication processes, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into a collaborative manufacturing environment. Demonstrating proactive problem-solving and a results-oriented mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mechanical Product Designer position:

• Submit your application and resume through the provided link on The Misch Group's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your SolidWorks proficiency, years of mechanical design experience, and any specific experience with sheet metal fabrication, modular design, or manufacturing environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your SolidWorks skills, design process, and understanding of manufacturing principles, especially for sheet metal. Ensure clear documentation and visual aids.

• Research The Misch Group: Familiarize yourself with their products, company mission, and the type of work they do in modular aluminum cabinet systems. Understand their focus on quality and custom solutions.

• Practice Your Portfolio Presentation: Be ready to articulate your design process, technical decisions, and project outcomes clearly and concisely. Prepare to answer questions about your experience with manufacturing collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on the provided input and industry best practices for Mechanical Product Designer roles. Specific details and expectations should be confirmed directly with The Misch Group during the application and interview process.