Mechanical Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 31, 2026.
Mechanical Engineer – Custom Automation & Capital Equipment
Koch Finishing Systems | Caledonia, MI (Grand Rapids Area) | Full-Time
Koch Finishing Systems is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team near Grand Rapids, Michigan. We engineer and build custom automated finishing systems — including automated plating and anodizing lines, material handling systems, process tanks, platforms, and piping — used for cleaning, stripping, electroplating, coating, and conversion coating across a wide range of industries. This role is ideal for a mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex capital equipment engineering challenges, from concept and calculations through fabrication and startup on the shop floor.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $85,000–$120,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Occasional travel for customer visits, installation, and commissioning support
Key Responsibilities
Engineer custom automated capital equipment — including plating/anodizing process lines, tanks, platforms, piping, and material handling systems — applying sound engineering principles to meet performance, safety, and quality requirements
Perform engineering calculations and analysis (structural loads, tank/vessel design, material selection, corrosion resistance) to support design decisions
Translate customer process requirements and specifications into functional, manufacturable equipment solutions
Collaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to deliver integrated automated systems
Own mechanical engineering scope from concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning, including field troubleshooting
Produce 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an output of the engineering process
Evaluate customer requirements, budgets, and timelines to develop effective engineering solutions
Participate in customer-facing concept and design reviews, representing the technical solution
Support project scheduling and execution with the Project Management team
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required)
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with custom automated machinery, capital equipment, or special machine design — hands-on drafting/design-only experience does not substitute for this requirement
Demonstrated experience applying engineering fundamentals: structural/mechanical analysis, material selection, tolerance stack-up, and failure analysis
Working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, servo/precision motion, and sheet metal or weldment design
Experience engineering tanks, platforms, piping, or material handling equipment a strong plus; plating or anodizing process equipment experience a plus
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar) as an engineering tool; PLM/PDM experience a plus
Working knowledge of GD&T and DFM/DFA principles
Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, and assembly
Strong engineering problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or within a team
Why Koch Finishing Systems
You will be part of a team that delivers highly engineered, custom automation solutions used by manufacturers worldwide, with the opportunity to see your engineering work through from concept to installation. We're guided by our core values of Integrity, Respect for People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Community Involvement.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Including disability/veteran