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Machine Design Engineer (Industrial Automation)

Great Dane

Listing collected from Great Dane's career site. NextChapter is independent of Great Dane.

Savannah, GA · Posted October 14, 2026

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AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).

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Great Dane has filed one layoff notice in the last twelve months, covering 164 workers, most recently December 2025. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

Skills this job asks for

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  • Lean
  • Solidworks

About the job

Overview

THE ROLE

At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we’re calling on them to join our expanding team, the time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The Position The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and support of automated machinery and capital equipment from concept through production. This role owns mechanical design deliverables, collaborates cross-functionally with manufacturing and customers, and ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to applicable quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Design and develop automation products and capital equipment using 3D CAD software

Own mechanical design from concept through production release

Perform detailed engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, and design validation

Select components and manage bills of materials (BOMs)

Apply design-for-manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), lean principles, and cost-conscious design practices

Create detailed drawings and coordinate with internal and external machine shops to fabricate custom machine parts, weldments, and sheet metal components

Work with technician teams to assemble and commission new equipment

Validate equipment performance and reliability. Create comprehensive equipment handover packages and system documentation

Provide technical support to production, service, and field teams to resolve equipment or operational issues

Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, planning, quality, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and achieve project goals

Maintain ownership of engineering processes, workflows, and design standards

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks) and PDM (Vault)

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design of electro-mechanical products, automation systems, or capital equipment

Skills: Strong knowledge of machine design and fabrication methods including sheet metal, welding, and machining

Working knowledge of machinery safety standards and guarding requirements

Experience with component selection, BOM management, and engineering change control

Expert-level proficiency with Microsoft Office

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills

Proven successful experience multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Experience with motion control systems, actuators, and automation components

Experience with industrial robot arms (Fanuc preferred)

Experience with end of arm tooling

Travel: Up to 20%

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Office and plant environment.

Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT GREAT DANE

With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

WHY WORK FOR US?

Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.

Our culture is comprised of “Champions” and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and be engaged in a collaborative environment.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

Competitive compensation

Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions

Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid holidays and vacation

And more!

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer