Lead Mechanical Engineer

Next-Gen Manufacturing is a rapidly growing industrial equipment and automation company focused on developing next-generation mulch colorizing equipment, industrial material handling systems, and AI-driven automation technologies. Our company combines heavy industrial equipment design with advanced AI-based machine controls and operational systems. We are building equipment and software platforms that improve manufacturing quality, consistency, efficiency, and scalability. This is not a traditional engineering role inside a large corporate structure. We are looking for high-level problem solvers who thrive in fast-moving environments, take ownership, execute quickly, and want to help shape the future direction of a growing manufacturing and automation company. The right candidate will have the opportunity to directly influence machine design, operational strategy, customer experience, manufacturing scalability, and future technical leadership within the company.

Lead Mechanical Principle Salary Range:

Compensation package is competitive and will be based on experience, leadership capability, and overall fit.

Additional Compensation:

• Bonus tied to machine sales and project execution
• Equity participation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance available Position Overview Next-Gen Manufacturing is seeking a highly driven Lead Mechanical Engineer / Engineering Project Manager to help lead the development and execution of industrial equipment, automation systems, and AI-integrated manufacturing technologies.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex industrial problems, and wants the opportunity to help shape a growing company.

The position combines:

• Mechanical engineering principles
• Industrial equipment design
• Vendor and supply chain management
• Customer interaction
• Project management
• Prototype development
• AI-driven industrial automation integration Key Responsibilities Engineering & Design
• Design and improve industrial equipment and automation systems using AutoCAD
• Develop fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation
• Support conveyor systems, hydraulics, material handling systems, and automation equipment
• Participate in machine testing, troubleshooting, and product improvement Project Management
• Manage projects from concept through manufacturing, installation, and customer support
• Coordinate vendors, fabrication shops, suppliers, and internal resources
• Track project schedules, deliverables, timelines, and production progress
• Support installation scheduling and customer coordination
• Report project progress directly to ownership Vendor & Supply Chain Management
• Source components and manufacturing vendors
• Manage RFQs, pricing, lead times, and quality expectations
• Coordinate outsourced manufacturing operations
• Support quality control and production execution Customer Interaction
• Work directly with customers during equipment development, installation, and support
• Participate in site visits, troubleshooting, and technical discussions
• Represent the company professionally during customer interactions and trade shows Innovation & Growth
• Contribute to new product development and patent/IP initiatives
• Support AI-driven machine control and automation initiatives
• Help standardize designs and scale manufacturing capacity
• Assist in building future engineering best practices and teams Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD
• Experience in industrial equipment design and manufacturing environments
• Experience managing vendors, suppliers, and outsourced manufacturing
• Experience managing technical projects and coordinating cross-functional execution
• Strong understanding of fabrication drawings, BOM creation, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with industrial automation systems and mechanical integration
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision
• Comfortable working in a startup-style environment with shifting priorities Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with industrial material handling systems
• Experience with hydraulics and conveyor systems
• Experience with AI-integrated industrial systems
• Experience supporting prototype/R&D environments
• Experience with custom equipment manufacturing
• Exposure to patent development or product innovation initiatives Work Environment & Culture
• Flexible but high-accountability environment
• Fast-paced startup-style culture
• Hands-on engineering and operational involvement
• Significant ownership and decision-making responsibility
• Opportunity to directly shape company direction and future engineering operations Estimated Time Allocation
• Project/Vendor management: 30%

• Customer Management:

  30%

• Product Development and Support:

  25%

•

CAD/Design Work:

15% Short Indeed Version Next-Gen Manufacturing is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer / Engineering Project Manager to support the development of industrial equipment, AI-driven automation systems, and custom manufacturing equipment. This role combines engineering, project management, vendor coordination, customer interaction, and hands-on manufacturing support.

Responsibilities:

• Industrial equipment design using AutoCAD
• Vendor management and outsourced manufacturing coordination
• Project management and customer support
• Shop floor testing and troubleshooting
• BOMs, fabrication drawings, and manufacturing documentation
• Support AI-driven automation initiatives

Requirements:

• Mechanical Engineering degree
• Strong AutoCAD experience
• Industrial manufacturing experience
• Vendor/project management experience
• Self-directed and capable of operating with minimal supervision

Compensation:

• Above-market salary
• Bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• Potential equity opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance available LinkedIn Recruiting Version Next-Gen Manufacturing is hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer / Engineering Project Manager to help build the next generation of industrial automation and AI-driven manufacturing equipment.

We develop:

• Mulch colorizing equipment
• Industrial material handling systems
• AI-driven industrial automation systems
• Custom manufacturing equipment This is a high-impact role with significant ownership and growth opportunity.

The ideal candidate is highly self-directed, execution-focused, comfortable in fast-moving environments, and capable of balancing engineering, project management, vendor coordination, and customer interaction.

This role offers:

• Above-market compensation
• Performance bonuses
• Profit sharing
• Potential equity opportunity
• Leadership growth path
• Opportunity to help shape the company's direction and future engineering teams Interview Questions 1.

Describe a complex industrial equipment project you managed from concept through production. 2. How do you manage vendors that are missing deadlines or quality expectations? 3. Tell us about a time you had to solve a major engineering problem under time pressure. 4. Describe your experience working directly with customers during technical projects. 5. What experience do you have with industrial automation systems? 6. How do you prioritize projects when multiple deadlines are moving simultaneously? 7. Describe a manufacturing process you improved. 8. What role do you typically take inside growing organizations? 9. How comfortable are you operating without detailed daily direction? 10. What interests you about AI-driven industrial equipment and automation? Internal Interview Scorecard

• Mechanical engineering capability
• Industrial equipment design experience
• Project management capability
• Vendor management experience
• Communication/customer interaction
• Startup mentality/self-direction
• Problem-solving ability
• Manufacturing/process understanding
• Leadership potential
• Culture fit and accountability Compensation / Bonus Structure Wording Next-Gen Manufacturing offers an above-market compensation package designed to reward execution, ownership, and company growth.

Compensation may include:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonuses tied to machine sales and project execution
• Profit sharing opportunities
• Potential future equity participation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates

Pay:

$100,000.00

• $130,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person