Senior mechanical design engineer - diesel integration

BigFoot Staffing is excited to offer this direct hire opportunity with an established industrial equipment manufacturer. This employer has built a strong reputation for dependable equipment and lasting customer relationships, making this an appealing opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term engineering career. We’re looking for a mechanical engineer who enjoys getting into the details—and occasionally getting their hands dirty. If you’ve designed diesel-powered equipment, worked through cooling and vibration challenges, and enjoyed seeing your designs come to life on the shop floor, this could be a great fit.

About the Role:

As the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer focused on diesel integration, you’ll take ownership of how diesel engines fit and function within portable industrial equipment. You’ll design the systems around the engine: cooling, intake, exhaust, fuel, mounting, and protective enclosures. You’ll work closely with production, controls, and electrical teams to turn those designs into reliable, serviceable equipment ready for real working conditions. This is a hands-on individual-contributor role with no direct reports. You’ll have room to apply your experience, make design decisions, and help shape how the team develops and releases products.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and integrate diesel engines and supporting systems into portable industrial equipment.
• Match engines to equipment requirements, accounting for power needs, operating conditions, and how customers use the equipment.
• Develop cooling, intake, exhaust and emissions aftertreatment, fuel, and lubrication layouts.
• Design engine mounts, structural supports, sheet metal, and enclosures that balance durability, airflow, service access, and available space.
• Solve challenges involving heat, vibration, and noise.
• Create and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Develop and conduct testing to verify performance, reliability, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Partner with controls and electrical engineers to integrate engine controls, sensors, and electrical systems.
• Support production and field teams with troubleshooting, commissioning, and design improvements.
• Manage new designs and improvements to existing products, including retrofit kits and component updates.
• Help move projects through design review, certification testing, and production release.
• Share your knowledge with junior team members and help establish practical design standards.

What You Bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 7 years of experience in diesel engine integration, mobile or off-highway equipment design, or closely related mechanical engineering.
• Practical experience integrating diesel cooling, fuel, intake, exhaust, and other supporting systems into complete equipment.
• A strong understanding of diesel engine performance and how engines respond to changing loads and operating conditions.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and follow designs through testing and production.
• Enough familiarity with engine controls and electrical systems to define requirements and collaborate effectively with specialists.
• Experience with applicable equipment, safety, and emissions requirements, such as DOT, UL, EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and CARB.
• Clear communication skills and a willingness to work directly with the people building, servicing, and using your designs.

Especially Helpful Experience:

• Hands-on experience with Cummins engines; CAT or Volvo experience is also valuable.
• Portable, skid-mounted, or trailer-mounted equipment such as compressors, generators, or pumps.
• Strong 3D CAD skills using Creo, Windchill, or comparable tools, including assembly, sheet metal, and detailed drawing work.
• Thermal, vibration, and noise analysis.
• Hydraulic-driven cooling fan systems.
• Experience improving design and release processes within a growing engineering team.

Why This Opportunity?

There’s something satisfying about designing equipment you can walk out onto the production floor and see being built. This established employer offers the opportunity to develop deep product knowledge, build lasting working relationships, and see the impact of your designs over time. Its equipment supports essential industrial work, giving this role a practical purpose and a strong foundation for a long-term career. You’ll stay close to the machinery, contribute your own ideas, and help improve products customers depend on.

Compensation and Benefits:

$95,000 - $130,000 DOE. A comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, and support for continued education and professional development.

Schedule and Additional Requirements:

Full-time, on-site position in Portland, Oregon. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 10%. Work includes time in production and field environments. Physical requirements include exerting 50–100 pounds of force occasionally, 25–50 pounds frequently, and 10–20 pounds constantly.

Enjoy figuring out how to make diesel-powered equipment run better, last longer, and work reliably in the field? We’d like to hear from you.

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