Mechanical Engineer

Cohasset, MN

Department

Reports To

Employee Status

Summary 

Nelson Wood Shims is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to support the design, improvement, and maintenance of production machinery and facility systems. This role blends engineering expertise with real-time problem-solving and project coordination, including capital projects. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative manufacturing environment, is passionate about continuous improvement, and is interested in future leadership development. 

 

The position offers a competitive salary, eligibility for quarterly bonuses, comprehensive health insurance benefits that exceed industry standards and shares as an employee owner. 

Duties/Responsibilities  

Project Management & Coordination 

  • Lead capital and automation projects through full lifecycle: development, design, execution, commissioning, and documentation. 
  • Coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. 
  • Design and layout new product packaging concepts aligned with sales and marketing strategies. 

Operations Support & Reliability 

  • Troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues and equipment failures. 
  • Develop and maintain standardized repair manuals for custom machinery. 
  • Build and maintain a vendor network to support asset reliability and accountability. 
  • Support day-to-day operations and contribute to long-term asset longevity. 

Drawing Management & Facility Planning 

  • Create and maintain base CAD drawings for equipment and facility layouts using layered standards (e.g., structural, mechanical). 
  • Organize and update drawings as parts change, ensuring version control and accessibility. 
  • Develop property layout drawings to support workflow and ergonomic improvements. 

Compliance & Safety 

  • Ensure machinery designs meet OSHA and other regulatory standards. 
  • Collaborate with regulators proactively to maintain compliance and safety culture. 
  • Participate in incident investigations and safety reviews. 

Leadership & Development 

  • Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on engineering strategy. 
  • Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork across trades. 
  • Research and evaluate new machines, technologies, and materials to support innovation. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field required 
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or industrial engineering environment 
  • Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) 
  • Familiarity with PLCs, automation, and custom machinery design 
  • Understanding of OSHA and other safety/regulatory requirements related to equipment 
  • Strong mechanical skills and hands-on troubleshooting experience 

 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and climb ladders throughout the day 
  • Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally 
  • Manual dexterity for tools and equipment 
  • Visual acuity for blueprints and detailed components 
  • PPE required: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear 
  • Work in both office and production environments with exposure to noise, dust, and temperature changes 
  • May occasionally require travel to vendor or partner facilities 

CHARACTER TRAITS 

  • A servant’s heart and a desire to contribute to the team and culture of the company 
  • The ability to bring positivity and enthusiasm to every project you touch 
  • Excited to learn new things and take on new challenges 
  • Kind, compassionate, and gracious with co-workers 
  • Able to work well in a group/team