Mechanical Design Engineer (5–10 Years Experience)

About Columbia Industries

At Columbia Industries, we engineer large-scale mechanical systems that move oil rigs, support aerospace innovation, and transform recycling and waste industries. For over 50 years, we’ve delivered turnkey solutions that transform industries and solve complex engineering challenges for our customers.

Our Mission:
Creating Incredible Solutions to Transform Industries.

Position Overview

Columbia Industries is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer for a remote-first role. Candidates may live anywhere within the United States while collaborating closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams.

Travel to our production facility in Starkville, Mississippi, and to customer sites will occur when needed for prototype builds, major design reviews, testing, or key project milestones.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a disconnected CAD role. You will design remotely while staying closely connected to the real-world impact of your work.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead design projects from your home office
• Participate in prototype builds and testing in Starkville when needed
• Collaborate directly with fabrication, welding, hydraulics, and assembly teams
• Design complete industrial systems rather than isolated components

Engineers in this role have the opportunity to see their designs move from concept to full-scale industrial equipment used across multiple industries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design complete mechanical assemblies to support product development activities.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOM) (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Perform engineering analysis on complex problems to ensure quality, safety, and manufacturability.
• Work directly with customers to understand needs and deliver effective solutions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to deliver robust and cost-conscious designs.
• Provide direction to machine designers and drafters.
• Lead cross-functional projects and manage cost, schedule, and quality across multiple initiatives.
• Conduct testing and demonstrations of equipment and mechanical systems.
• Manage product configuration and prototype development processes.
• Perform research, testing, and analysis to support product development.
• Prepare estimates and engineering input for quotations when required.
• Verify the quality and accuracy of engineering models and drawings.
• Conduct risk assessments and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Mentor and support designers and systems engineers.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field.

Experience

5–10 years of experience in mechanical systems design.

Experience with heavy machinery, steel fabrication, or oilfield equipment strongly preferred.

Skills

• High proficiency in CAD modeling and engineering drawing development (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Strong design-for-manufacturability mindset.
• Ability to perform engineering analysis and solve complex technical problems.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills when working with customers and internal teams.
  

Travel Requirement

Travel to the Starkville, Mississippi facility and customer sites is required as projects demand. Travel may include prototype builds, testing, project reviews, and customer support activities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.