Mechanical Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY | In-Person Position | Greenville, Texas We are seeking a hands-on, high-energy Mechanical Engineer to join our mechanical design and product development team for the VEX Robotics division. In this role, you will be directly involved with the design, prototyping, testing, and mass-production release of high-volume mechanical components – including injection-molded plastics, metal structures, gearing mechanisms, and electromechanical assemblies for educational and competition robotics. The ideal candidate possesses strong fundamentals in 3D CAD modeling, design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA), structural analysis, and rapid prototyping, with a genuine enthusiasm for building durable, intuitive hardware. VEX Robotics is a global leader in STEM education and competitive robotics solutions. We create products that inspire the innovators of tomorrow - ranging from classroom educational kits to advanced robotics hardware used in world-renowned competitions. As part of Innovation First International, our team designs, manufactures, and supports high-volume, durable, and intuitive electromechanical hardware used by millions of students, educators, and engineers worldwide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Mechanical Design & Engineering

• Design and model detailed mechanical parts and assemblies using 3D CAD software from initial concept through production release.
• Design parts across key manufacturing domains: high-volume plastic injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, die casting, drive trains, structural framing, and gear systems.
• Apply core principles of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Reliability (DFR) to optimize product quality and lower unit costs.
• Perform mechanical engineering calculations, tolerance stack-up analyses, and finite element analysis (FEA) to validate structural integrity and performance.
• Generate and maintain comprehensive 2D engineering drawings with GD&T specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and engineering change orders (ECOs).

Prototyping, Testing & Validation

• Build functional prototypes using rapid prototyping technologies (FDM/SLA 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, benchtop assembly).
• Design, execute, and document bench testing, life-cycle durability tests, drop testing, and failure analysis to validate design choices against real-world classroom and competition abuse.
• Ensure all designs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance standards suited for K–12 and collegiate user environments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Production Support

• Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineering, Firmware, and Industrial Design teams to package electromechanical sub-assemblies, motors, sensors, and cable routing cleanly.
• Interface with tooling vendors, domestic and overseas manufacturers, and internal production teams to review tooling designs, inspect first-article samples (FAI), and resolve manufacturing defects.
• Actively participate in mechanical design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and project timeline tracking.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience designing consumer products, educational hardware, or electromechanical devices brought to volume production.
• Demonstrated proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drafting (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of plastic injection molding design, tooling constraints, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Hands-on prototyping, physical bench testing, and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gear design, motor integration, mechanism design, or dynamic structural systems.
• Background in robotics, mechatronics, or high-volume consumer hardware.
• Hands-on familiarity with the VEX Robotics ecosystem (VEX IQ, VEX V5, VEX GO, or VEX EXP), whether through professional experience or competitive robotics participation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary based on experience
• Free $25,000 Employee Life/AD&D Insurance
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life/AD&D, Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness Insurance plan options
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Paid vacation time
• Free lunch catered daily

Innovation First International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.