Mechanical Design Engineer | Custom Hydraulic Machinery
French® is a 4th-generation, family-owned U.S. company and an ISO-certified leader that design, manufactures and supports:
- Hydraulic press systems for molding rubber and composite materials.
- Screw presses for synthetic rubber processing and liquid-solid separation.
- Oilseed equipment for vegetable oil extraction and biofuel production.
With over 120 years of experience and customers in more than 80 countries, we are committed to delivering superior-quality machinery that enhances productivity and reduces production costs.
Location: Piqua, Ohio
Position Summary: Join a team that designs and builds one-of-a-kind hydraulic press systems used in advanced manufacturing applications. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you’ll take ideas from concept to completion — developing complex mechanical systems involving hydraulics, pneumatics, and automation.
You’ll collaborate closely with electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to create efficient, reliable machinery that meets customer needs. This is a hands-on, visible engineering role with opportunities to see your designs come to life on the production floor and in the field.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design and develop custom heavy-duty industrial machinery, including hydraulic presses and automated subsystems.
- Create accurate 3D models, detailed manufacturing drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) using SolidWorks.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams — sales, manufacturing, and customer service — throughout the project lifecycle.
- Conduct engineering analyses (stress, load, and safety calculations) to ensure robust design performance.
- Optimize designs for cost, performance, and manufacturability.
- Support prototype builds, testing, and field startup.
- Maintain compliance with quality and safety standards.
- Travel occasionally (up to 5%) for customer or supplier site visits (typically 1–7 days).
Qualifications and Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in custom machinery design — preferably hydraulic or automated equipment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks.
- Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, mechanical design principles, and applied engineering calculations.
- Knowledge of automation, process systems, or motion control is a plus.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality standards.
AAP/EEO Statement: French Oil Mill Machinery Co. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.