Mechanical Engineer III

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer III – Cable/Ribbon Assembly Equipment Capability Engineer

Location: Newton, NC - On site

Contract Duration: 12 months, extension possible

Schedule: Night Shift- 7pm to 7am, typically 3 days on, 4 days off, then 4 days on, 3 days off.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to serve as a Cable/Ribbon Assembly Equipment Capability Engineer supporting high volume cable manufacturing operations. This role is highly technical and focused on equipment capability, mechanical performance, and process robustness for cable assembly lines. The engineer will be responsible for driving equipment performance improvements, ensuring process capability, and supporting new equipment introduction and line expansions.

• Own mechanical capability of cable/ribbon assembly equipment
• Establish and maintain equipment capability metrics (OEE, Cp/Cpk, uptime, scrap, yield)
• Lead mechanical capability studies, line balancing, and throughput optimization efforts
• Identify mechanical constraints impacting line speed, tension stability, concentricity, and dimensional control

• Design, modify, and optimize tooling, fixturing, guides, rollers, payoff systems, and tension control mechanisms
• Develop detailed 2D drawings and 3D CAD models for equipment upgrades and custom tooling
• Perform engineering calculations related to tension, torque, inertia, thermal effects, and material deformation
• Support equipment retrofits and modernization projects

• Provide hands on technical support during production, trials, and equipment start ups
• Perform structured root cause analysis (mechanical, process, interface issues) and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with process, controls, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve chronic equipment issues
• Support development and execution of FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ, and line acceptance criteria

• Define mechanical requirements and performance specifications for new cable assembly equipment
• Work directly with OEMs and system integrators on equipment design, build, and acceptance
• Review vendor drawings, layouts, and design proposals for compliance with performance and safety requirements

• Create and maintain mechanical documentation including equipment specifications, PM standards, and change records
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, ergonomic, and manufacturing standards
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 3–6 years of experience in cable manufacturing or cable assembly equipment engineering
• Strong hands on experience with ribboning, stranding, extrusion, shielding, jacketing, or armoring equipment
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems in continuous manufacturing environments
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Solid Works, Creo, AutoCAD, or equivalent)
• Proficiency in data analysis – JMP, Excel, Minitab
• Experience performing equipment capability analysis and production line optimization
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem solving skills

• Experience with ribbon cable manufacturing
• Knowledge of tension control systems, dancer mechanisms, capstans, and servo driven equipment
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), Cp/Cpk analysis, and OEE
• Working knowledge of PLC controlled machinery and electro mechanical interfaces
• Experience leading or supporting high speed cable line scale ups
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification

• Manufacturing floor and equipment build/commissioning environments
• Significant hands on interaction with operating production lines
• May require extended on site presence during trials and ramp ups
• Occasional travel to supplier or sister manufacturing sites