Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Engineering · Nashville metropolitan area, United States

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Custom Automation Machine Design

Greater Nashville Area (approximately one hour west of downtown Nashville)

If you’re a mechanical engineer who wants full ownership of custom automation machine design, this is a role where your designs actually get built, tested, and put into production. Join a company with over 100 years of manufacturing history, where engineers work directly with customers, controls, and manufacturing teams to deliver complex automation systems. You’ll have the opportunity to lead projects, influence machine design decisions, and grow into technical leadership on high-visibility automation programs. Relocation assistance is provided for qualified candidates.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• End-to-end ownership of custom automation machine design from concept through commissioning
• Direct impact - your designs are built, tested, and put into production
• Work closely with controls engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers on complex automation systems
• Strong technical environment with robotics, servo motion, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and grow into technical leadership
• Long-term stability with a company operating successfully for over 100 years
• Strong benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), pension program, tuition reimbursement, and relocation assistance.

What You’ll Do

• Mechanical design of custom automation equipment and manufacturing systems from concept through installation
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks
• Design systems incorporating robotics, servo motion, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Develop machine concepts based on customer requirements and manufacturing needs
• Perform engineering calculations, component sizing, and design validation
• Lead design reviews with internal teams and customers
• Support machine build, testing, startup, and commissioning activities
• Drive design improvements, standardization, and cost reduction initiatives
• Provide technical guidance and mentor junior engineers

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 4+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Experience designing custom automation machinery from concept through installation
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks
• Background in automation, OEM equipment, custom machinery, or systems integration
• Experience with robotics, motion control, or industrial automation equipment preferred

This is a hands-on engineering role where you work directly with manufacturing teams to see your designs move from concept to reality. If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can own complex automation projects, work with advanced manufacturing technology, and make a direct impact on equipment being built, we’d like to connect.