JobsGenerac

Mechanical Design Engineer

Generac · IL

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Walk me through a mechanical design project you owned from the initial write-up to completion. How did you keep it on schedule and within budget?

whether the candidate can manage a full design lifecycle independently, not just produce drawings

Describe a situation where you had to coordinate closely with an electrical engineer on switchgear or cabling layout. What conflicts came up and how did you resolve them?

ability to collaborate across mechanical and electrical disciplines on integrated packaging

Tell me about a time you pulled from an existing drawing or past project to save time on a new design. How did you make sure it still fit the new requirements?

efficiency instinct balanced against due diligence, since the posting explicitly values reusing prior work

Describe a time you had to explain a technical design decision to someone without an engineering background, maybe in sales or a customer.

communication skill across audiences, which the posting flags as a required ability

Have you been part of a new product introduction or a technical transfer to a new supplier? What was your role and what went wrong along the way?

real experience with NPI and supplier transfer, listed as a preferred qualification

Technical

Tell me about a time you had to design an enclosure or structural component around a diesel or natural gas generator set. What load or code requirements did you have to satisfy?

real exposure to genset packaging and compliance codes versus general mechanical design experience

What CAD platforms have you used day to day, and can you describe a drawing package you built that included both fabrication and composite drawings?

actual fluency with AutoCAD, ProE, or SolidWorks at the level the job requires

Have you worked with Windchill or a similar PLM system to manage documentation and revisions? What did that look like in practice?

specific experience with the document control tool named in the posting

Tell me about a time you had to calculate wind load or do structural sheet metal analysis. What was the outcome?

depth in the preferred specialization area versus surface familiarity

What do you know about MIG, TIG, and stick welding, and how does that knowledge shape the way you design a weldment?

whether the candidate designs with manufacturability and weld process in mind, not just geometry

Situational

Say a sales rep hands you a customer spec that's vague or contradicts itself. What do you do before you start drawing?

judgment on when to seek clarification versus assume, and comfort working across sales-engineering boundary

Production calls you mid-build saying a part doesn't fit as designed. Walk me through how you'd handle that call.

composure and problem-solving under time pressure while supporting another department

A customer's approval drawing comes back with a rejection days before your deadline. How do you prioritize your response?

ability to triage competing pressures of accuracy, speed, and customer expectations

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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? Job Summary • Receive, read and interpret project write-ups and apply the appropriate engineering terms, methodology and clarifications, including schedule projections, manpower needs and material requirements.  Assure that all applicable industry and company compliance code requirements are met. • Research appropriate database or other resources to determine if similar projects have been completed and contain information that can be applied to current needs. • Prepare and create all necessary machinery drawings, plans or prints, including shop and supplier fabrication drawings, composite drawings or others, using established engineering practice considerations and usual company guidelines and processes.  • Prepare, issue and maintain required documentation. • Monitor project through completion, providing correction, modification or assistance to other company departments as needed or directed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Complete project design on time and stay within estimated hours and material costs • Research and order parts on time • Start designing early to complete before production build date • Pull from existing applicable drawings • Monitor project through completion • Provide practical, functional and acceptable equipment designs • Read and interpret specifications, write ups, pricing and correspondence • Discuss unresolved engineering questions with sales for clarification • Make sure the design is what the customer is expecting • Perform calculations and analysis • Use spreadsheets, calculator and other software applications to perform calculations and analysis • Provide technical assistance to production and test • Answer questions and provide support during production • Answer questions and provide support during testing • Provide technical assistance to sales • Provide composite drawings during quoting stage when needed • Answer questions and provide technical support for quotes • Provide submittal and approval drawings when needed • Coordinate with electrical engineers regarding switchgear and cabling • Discuss design with electrical engineer for clarification 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 Minimum Qualifications: • B.S. in Mechanical OR Electrical Engineering or related discipline • 3 months of related work experience Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with new product introductions and technical/process transfer to new suppliers • Experience with Windchill PLM • specialization in structural sheet metal and wind load calculations a definite plus. • Strong background in electrical power generation with a thorough knowledge of the engine/generator set industry.  • Experience in the data center industry a plus. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Above average computer literacy with the latest version of AutoCAD and/or ProE and/or SolidWorks experience desired.  Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite. • General knowledge of diesel and natural gas fueled engines. • Familiarity with weld processes, MIG, TIG, and Stick.  • 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 judgement in the performance of duties. • Willingness to travel, including out of the country, if necessary. • Ability to work as part of a team and with a high degree of enthusiasm and commitment. Salary: $67,700 - $101,600 Position Demands 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 “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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