Mechanical Engineer

Location
On-site, Providence, RI

Job Type
Full-time

Company Overview

Nova is a product design, research, and engineering agency. At Nova, we're all about turning visionary ideas into reality. We lead the way in design, engineering, and user research, shaping the future of both digital and physical experiences. 

We work closely with clients, from concept to completion, to make sure their unique goals are at the heart of everything we do. Focused on user-centric design and practical manufacturability, we're here to transform industries and elevate the human experience, making the extraordinary possible.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Mechanical Engineer. This position involves designing, developing, and optimizing advanced mechanical systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in mechanical design principles, hands-on experience with robotic systems, and a focus on ensuring products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and reliable.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design: Invent and integrate new mechanical concepts to meet client needs and specifications, thinking creatively to develop new solutions

Mechatronics Systems Design: Develop and design integrated systems combining mechanical components and electronics

Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work closely with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for cost-effective production, ease of assembly, and high quality (for injection molding, sheet metal, and machined part design)

Prototyping and Testing: Lead the development of prototypes to prove concepts and derisk development. Design relevant test fixtures, perform rigorous testing for root cause analysis, implement design changes to improve performance, and iterate on designs based on feedback and testing results.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure high-quality work developing products for mass production are delivered on time and on budget.

Tools: Use tools such as CAD (Solidworks), Arduino and PCBA design to ensure design accuracy and application of engineering best practices.

Documentation and Reporting: Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and manufacturing guidelines. Maintain clear communication of project progress and issues with stakeholders.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical)

  • Experience:

    • Minimum 3 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering and/or electrical engineering.

    • A minimum 2 years of CAD experience (e.g., SolidWorks)

    • Experience developing consumer electronics, medical device and/or consumer products

    • Proven experience with DFM methodologies, including material selection, part tolerance optimization, and cost-effective design.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Strong understanding of mechanical principles

    • Mechanical handoff documentation, including for injection molding, overmolding, machining, and sheet metal

    • Quantitative analysis (eg. fluidics, thermodynamics, statics, dynamics, and E&M)

    • Tolerance analysis, FMEA, root cause analysis

  • Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to work through complex technical challenges.

  • Organization: Ability to organize work across multiple projects with various deadlines; create documentation for validation test plans, test results, and process development; maintain file management systems with version control

  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to cross-functional teams and clients.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with fabrication methods (eg. machining, sheet metal, rapid prototyping, molding, casting, thermoforming)

  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana)

  • Robotics and System Integration: Design and implement robotic systems for industrial, automation, or consumer applications, including kinematics, actuators, sensors, control systems, and programming.

Office and Team

  • Full-time office position

  • Highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and fast-paced environment with multiple, overlapping projects

  • Interdisciplinary team with opportunities to expand your capabilities, deepen your skills, and contribute to impactful, meaningful product development.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) with company matching contributions and profit sharing.

  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

  • Professional development and training opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and believe in diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications for the Engineering role to Kim Ranone at kranone@wearenova.co (note: not “.com”!)

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