Senior Mechanical Engineer

For 80 years Rice Lake Weighing Systems has been a successful, growth-oriented company known as a leader in the weighing industry and our community. Measurement Systems International, a Rice Lake Weighing Systems Company, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Kent, WA.\n
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\nThe Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and validation of new and custom products to meet customer specifications. This role places a strong emphasis on strain gage-based load cell transducer design and development, including mechanical design for optimized strain distribution, signal sensitivity, and long-term stability. The position also includes hands-on involvement in testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of load cell performance, along with exposure to experimental stress analysis and validation techniques.\n
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\nThis role also requires working knowledge of the electrical aspects of load cell systems, including strain gage signal behavior, Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal normalization, and integration with instrumentation and control systems. The ideal candidate will have a technical background suited for applying load cell technology within complex, customer-specific systems and applications.\n
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\nThe successful candidate will lead product development efforts from concept through production, including CAD modeling, engineering analysis, prototyping, instrumentation, testing, calibration, and documentation. This position requires strong technical depth in both mechanical design and measurement systems, along with the ability to lead projects and collaborate across a multi-disciplinary team.\n
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\nKey Responsibilities\n
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\nLead the design and development of strain gage-based load cell transducers, including geometry optimization, material selection, and integration of strain gage layouts\n
\nDevelop designs that account for performance characteristics such as accuracy, linearity, hysteresis, creep, repeatability, temperature effects, and fatigue life\n
\nPerform and oversee testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of load cell systems, including root cause analysis of performance issues and implementation of corrective actions\n
\nDesign and execute test plans, including instrumentation setup, signal measurement, data acquisition, and correlation of physical test data to analytical models (FEA)\n
\nApply experimental stress analysis methods (e.g., strain gaging, Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal conditioning, normalization, and data acquisition systems) to validate and refine designs\n
\nSupport integration of load cells into complex customer systems, including interaction with controls, instrumentation, and system-level performance requirements\n
\nDesign and engineer new and custom products following the New Product Development (NPD) process\n
\nDevelop CAD models, drawings, bills of materials, and complete engineering documentation\n
\nPerform engineering analysis, including FEA, and validate designs through prototype testing\n
\nEnsure designs meet DFX principles (manufacturability, assembly, reliability, safety, and serviceability)\n
\nCollaborate with Product Engineers, Designers, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to support product realization\n
\nLead and manage multiple projects, timelines, and cross-functional teams\n
\nSupport manufacturing through fixture design, process development, calibration methods, and troubleshooting\n
\nAssist with installation and field support of products as needed\n
\nParticipate in design reviews and maintain design control documentation\n
\nSupport Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and continuous product improvement\n
\nProvide technical input for costing, feasibility, and vendor selection\n
\nDevelop reports, procedures, and training materials\n
\nTravel to customer sites and other company locations as required\n
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\nRequired Qualifications\n
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\nBachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering\n
\n8+ years of industrial product design experience\n
\nStrong experience in strain gage-based load cell transducer design, testing, calibration, and performance troubleshooting\n
\nWorking knowledge of electrical aspects of load cell systems, including Wheatstone bridge circuits, signal output/normalization, and basic signal conditioning principles\n
\nExperience or exposure to experimental stress analysis techniques, including strain gage installation, instrumentation, and data interpretation\n
\nExperience designing with metals including alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum\n
\nStrong background in manufacturing processes including machining, welding, fabrication, casting, and finishing\n
\nExperience applying engineered products within complex, customer-specific systems or applications\n
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\nPreferred Qualifications\n
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\n5+ years of 3D CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred)\n
\nExperience with FEA and correlation to physical testing\n
\nCSWA / CSWP / Simulation certifications a plus\n
\nProfessional Engineer (PE) license preferred\n
\nExperience with ERP systems (Epicor a plus)\n
\nProficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project)\n
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\nKey Skills\n
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\nStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in electromechanical measurement systems\n
\nHands-on capability with test setups, instrumentation, and calibration procedures\n
\nAbility to understand and apply both mechanical and electrical aspects of transducer performance\n
\nAbility to translate theoretical analysis into practical, manufacturable designs\n
\nExcellent communication and collaboration skills\n
\nAbility to lead projects and mentor team members\n
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\nCompensation & Benefits\n
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\nCompetitive salary based on experience\n
\nMedical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and voluntary benefits\n
\n200 hours of paid time off (PTO) plus 10 paid holidays\n
\nGenerous retirement plan with company match\n
\nProfessional development and growth opportunities\n
\nExcellent working conditions in a customer-driven organization\n
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\nThis position requires on-site presence at our Kent, Washington facility; telecommuting is not available. However, reasonable relocation assistance is available.\n
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\nRice Lake Weighing Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a Substance-Free Workplace and requires pre-employment drug screens.\n
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\n #IND123\n
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\nEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities\n
\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.