Mechanical Machine Design Engineer – Rapid Prototyping & Automation

Description

About the Position

Blue Sparq, Inc. is looking for a highly creative and hands-on Mechanical Machine Design Engineer to help invent and develop next-generation automated beverage and food dispensing equipment.

This is not a traditional “sit behind a desk and make CAD drawings” engineering role. We are looking for a true builder, inventor, and problem solver — someone who enjoys creating intelligent mechanical systems, rapid prototyping, and developing elegant low-tech solutions to complex automation challenges.

You will work directly with the President of the company to create new mechanisms and prototype machines involving beverage dispensing, ice handling, carbonation systems, cup dispensing, label application, and automated food handling systems.

This is an onsite position located in Cape Coral.

What You’ll Be Working On

Examples of projects include:

• Automatic cup dispensing mechanisms 
• Automated label application systems 
• Cup positioning / conveyance 
• Carbonated beverage chilling and carbonation systems 
• Food dispensing systems 
• High-speed mechanical prototypes 
• Intelligent low-tech mechanical automation systems 

We are especially interested in engineers who appreciate the art of mechanical design using:

• Cams 
• Linkages 
• Springs 
• Timing mechanisms 
• Gravity-fed systems 
• Passive mechanical logic 
• Elegant low-part-count designs 

Rather than relying entirely on software and electronics, we value engineers who understand how to solve problems mechanically first.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative mechanical systems and automation equipment 
• Create 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks 
• Design sheet metal and machined components 
• Build and assemble working prototypes 
• 3D print prototype components 
• Test, tune, troubleshoot, and improve mechanisms 
• Rapidly iterate designs based on real-world testing 
• Develop manufacturable and serviceable mechanical systems 
• Collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, and software engineers 
• Help transition successful prototypes into production-ready systems 

Desired Skills & Experience

Required

• Strong mechanical aptitude and creativity 
• Experience with SolidWorks CAD design 
• Hands-on prototyping and fabrication skills 
• Experience designing mechanical assemblies and moving mechanisms 
• Understanding of tolerances, manufacturing, and assembly methods 
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and refine designs 
• Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping 
• Experience designing sheet metal parts and assemblies 
• Passion for inventing and building machines 

Huge Plus

• Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or microcontroller programming experience 
• Basic electronics and wiring knowledge 
• Pneumatics and fluid systems experience 
• Experience with beverage, foodservice, vending, packaging, or automation equipment 
• Machine shop experience 
• Understanding of sensors, motors, encoders, and actuators 

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Loves building things 
• Thinks like an inventor 
• Enjoys solving difficult mechanical problems 
• Appreciates elegant and simple machine design 
• Can move quickly from concept ? prototype ? testing 
• Is excited to work in a fast-paced engineering environment 
• Wants to create machines that people have never seen before 

This role is ideal for someone who spent their childhood taking things apart just to understand how they worked.

Location

This is a full-time onsite position in Cape Coral.

Remote work is not available for this role due to the hands-on nature of machine prototyping and testing.

Why This Position Is Different

Most engineering jobs focus on maintaining existing products.

This role is about inventing new ones.

You will have the opportunity to work directly on cutting-edge automation concepts and help create entirely new systems from the ground up alongside an experienced engineering and manufacturing team.