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Mechanical Design Engineer

Generac · Belvidere, IL · $67,700–$101,600 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project where you finished the design on time and within estimated hours. What made it work?

What they are checking: Time and cost discipline, since the posting measures engineers against estimates.

Tell me about a design you made that turned out not to be what the customer expected. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Honesty about misses and whether they now confirm expectations earlier.

What would you do

A customer spec is unclear on a key requirement and production build is coming up. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they resolve ambiguity early with project management and sales instead of guessing.

How do you decide when a customer request is out of scope and should become a change order?

What they are checking: Protecting project hours and cost, which the posting makes part of the engineer's job.

A part you need has a long lead time that threatens the build date. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Ordering early and finding alternatives, since late parts delay production.

How do you give feedback on a peer's drawing when you found several errors?

What they are checking: Delivering review comments clearly without damaging working relationships.

About the work

When you review another engineer's drawing package, what do you check first?

What they are checking: Thoroughness in checking dimensions, parts, function and notes before production release.

How do you reuse existing drawings without carrying old mistakes into a new design?

What they are checking: Efficient design work that still verifies inherited content.

Walk me through how you'd apply tolerances on a fabricated steel enclosure so it can be built and assembled reliably.

What they are checking: Practical design for manufacturing, where tolerances meet real shop capability.

What CAD tools have you used, and how do you manage revisions and bills of material?

What they are checking: Day-to-day tool fluency and configuration control in a custom equipment shop.

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? --- Essential Duties and Responsibilities · Comply with Company and Departmental Directives and Guidelines · Complete project design on time and stay within estimated hours and material costs o Research and order parts on time o Start designing early to complete before production build date o Pull from existing applicable drawings o Support the project through completion o Work with Project Management department to clarify and meet customer needs and define scope o Identify out of scope changes and feed back to Project management and sales for Change orders · Provide practical, functional and acceptable equipment designs o Read and interpret specifications, write ups, pricing and correspondence o Discuss unresolved engineering questions with Project management and Sales for clarification o Make sure the design is what the customer is expecting · Review other engineers drawing packages before production release o Provide feedback to other engineers regarding necessary changes o Check drawings for accuracy of dimensions, parts, functionality and notes to explain details to production and weld information o Check shop write up for accuracy and sequence of production flow · Perform calculations and analysis o Use spreadsheets, calculator and other software applications to perform calculations and analysis · Provide assistance and training to detailers o Answer questions and explain to detail engineers how to obtain the information · Provide technical assistance to production and test o Answer questions and provide support during production o Answer questions and provide support during testing · Provide technical assistance to sales o Provide composite drawings during quoting stage when needed o Provide General Arrangement Drawings as required o Answer questions and provide technical support for quotes o Provide submittal and approval drawings when scheduled o Provide Technical Support with technical specifications · Coordinate with electrical engineer regarding switchgear and cabling o Discuss design with electrical engineer for clarification o Create conduit schedules and isometric views of conduit routings NOTE: This job description is not all-inclusive and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary. In keeping with our corporate culture, all employees are expected to do “whatever it takes” to get the job done. --- Qualifications Education and Experience · Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial engineering, Engineering Technology or Manufacturing engineering is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities · Above average computer literacy with the latest version Creo or equivalent 3-D modeling software.(Required) · Recent version of AutoCAD experience is beneficial · Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite. · Familiarity with using ERP systems as part of daily project flow · Understanding of the use of assemblies and sub assembly structures · Knowledge or familiarity with Airflow, pressure drops, sound attenuation, weights, center of gravity, flows and restrictions in piping, beam deflections, tank sizing, and wind loading a plus · General knowledge of diesel and natural gas fueled engines · Familiarity with weld symbols and their use · Above average ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels within the company · Multi-task oriented with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail · Ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties · Willingness to travel, including out of the country, if necessary (Minimal) · Ability to work as part of a team and with a high degree of enthusiasm and commitment Physical Demands (essential functions) · Sit for long periods of time, talking, seeing, primarily sedentary work in an office with desk with chair, long periods of use of computer mouse and long periods of looking at monitors and drawings. · It is desirable if you are able to climb up onto and down from equipment and ladders as necessary. Work Environment · Office · Shop Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Illinois is $67,700 - $101,600 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives. --- “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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