Mechanical Design Engineer chez Sperry Rail

Position Summary

 As a key member of our Mechanical Engineering team, you will directly influence the next generation of our products by designing and developing innovative mechanical systems from concept through production. This role is ideal for a creative problem-solver with deep SolidWorks expertise, a passion for detailed design, and a strong interest in automation and motion controls who wants to see their work make a real-world impact.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design and model complex mechanical parts, assemblies, and systems using SolidWorks.
• Create detailed manufacturing drawings, ensuring they conform to industry standards, including proper Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Inspection (DFI), and Design for Cost (DFC) principles throughout the design process.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and part data within the Sage X3 ERP system.
• Lead and participate in peer and formal design reviews, providing and incorporating constructive feedback to elevate product quality and performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, procurement, and field support teams to address design-related questions and resolve issues.
• Own the mechanical aspects of prototyping, testing, and validation by designing test fixtures, developing test procedures, and analyzing results to verify design integrity.
• Actively participate in the hands-on assembly, bring-up, and troubleshooting of prototypes and first-article builds.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience with the integration of mechanical systems with electronics and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with common automation components such as sensors, actuators, servos, and basic control principles.
• Experience working within a PDM (Product Data Management) environment.

Organizational Relationship/Scope

• Reports to Mechanical Engineering Manager
• Interacts at all levels within the organization
• Interacts with customer personnel at various levels
• Interacts across departmental boundaries
• Scope: Actions have a significant impact on customer relationships and the financial conditions of the Company

Working Conditions

• Location: Onsite – Shelton, CT.
• Work Environment: Collaborative, engineering-driven, and innovation-focused culture with opportunities to work on high-impact projects.

Safety Compliance

Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. Report any safety violations or near misses.

Additional Duties

Other duties may be assigned with or without accommodation as business needs require.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical design.
• High proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of conventional manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, machining, sheet metal, welding).
• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude; comfortable working with common hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Experience creating detailed 2D drawings from 3D models.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and the structure of Bills of Materials.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience with the integration of mechanical systems with electronics and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with common automation components such as sensors, actuators, servos, and basic control principles.
• Experience working within a PDM (Product Data Management) environment.

About Sperry:

Sperry Rail is on a mission critical journey to revolutionize the Rail Flaw Detection industry. Through the continuous development of cutting edge diagnostic technologies and AI assisted analysis, we are transforming railway safety worldwide. Our global engineering teams work collaboratively to develop step-change technologies that define Sperry as the unparalleled market leader. For nearly a century we have repeatedly succeeded in modernizing and improving rail diagnostics through our unrelenting pursuit of improvement. Determined is an understatement. We are obsessed with advancing the science and raising the bar on what’s possible with our ever improving suite of product and service offerings. Emboldened through the shared values of honesty, accountability, passion, integrity and teamwork, we are driven by 4 the challenge and bridging concept with fruition. Each technologist entering Sperry has an opportunity to imprint themselves into our brand and further galvanize a culture of innovation and advancement. Allow us to be clear, Thought Leaders are welcome! We are agile, hungry and invite those with similar passion to join us in challenging the status quo and bringing new ideas to market. Fast paced, high-touch with distinct sense of purpose, we offer more than a job, rather an opportunity to be part of a something different.