Jobs › Panduit

Mechanical Design Engineer

Panduit · Tinley Park Rdg, IL · $80,000–$100,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 10, 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 product you designed from concept through launch. What was your role at each stage?

What they are checking: Experience owning the full product lifecycle, which the posting puts at the center of the job.

Tell me about a time you worked with manufacturing or suppliers to fix a design issue.

What they are checking: Cross-functional collaboration that turns a design into something that can be built well.

Tell me about a design idea you pushed for that others doubted.

What they are checking: Willingness to experiment boldly and make a case for new ideas, which the posting encourages.

What would you do

A prototype fails a load test in the lab. Walk me through what you do next.

What they are checking: A methodical approach to failure analysis and redesign rather than guessing at fixes.

How would you use the rapid modeling tool room and labs to speed up a design?

What they are checking: Using quick prototyping and testing to learn early and reduce risk later.

How do you balance cost targets against performance when they conflict?

What they are checking: Making sound engineering tradeoffs that keep a product competitive.

About the work

How would you approach designing a cooling solution for a high-density data center rack?

What they are checking: Understanding airflow, thermal loads and physical constraints in modern data center infrastructure.

What do you consider when designing an injection molded plastic part versus a sheet metal part?

What they are checking: Design for manufacturing knowledge across the processes Panduit products typically use.

How do you use tolerance stack-up analysis in your designs?

What they are checking: Rigor in making sure parts fit and function reliably across real manufacturing variation.

How would you design a power distribution product that is safe and easy for technicians to install?

What they are checking: Considering safety standards and the end user's experience, not just the mechanical design.

What CAD and simulation tools have you used, and how have they changed a design decision?

What they are checking: Practical use of design and analysis tools to make better decisions, not just drawings.

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The full job description

As published by Panduit.

At Panduit, we don’t just offer a job – we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company’s success. You’ll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you’re ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit! Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve meaningful challenges. That’s why we’ve built an environment designed for creativity and collaboration. Our 200,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, features 18 cutting-edge laboratories and a state-of-the-art rapid modeling tool room - all dedicated to helping you turn ideas into impactful reality. The Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the creation of innovative products and systems that power the physical infrastructure of modern data centers. From bold concept development to successful product launch, this role drives the full product lifecycle, fueling cross-functional collaboration and transforming cutting-edge research into real-world solutions. What You Will Do • Design and develop products and systems focused on connectivity, power distribution, and cooling solutions for data canter. • Execute the full design lifecycle : requirements capture, concept generation, design, prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing. • Conduct applied research and stay current with the latest technology. • Plan and lead large-scale projects , including multi-disciplinary engineering teams. • Prepare project schedules , budgets, design specifications, technical reports, and presentations. • Demonstrate creativity and out-of-the-box thinking for concepts and designs. What You Will Bring • Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering required. • Experience: 1.5 - 5 years in mechanical product design with proven success launching projects from concept to completion. Prior experience in electronic packaging, fiber optics, datacenter, power, and cooling, or liquid cooling preferred. • Knowledge: Expertise in plastic part design, metal part design, hands-on experience with sheet metal, and broad knowledge of manufacturing processes (specifically injection molding and stamping). Prior participation with standards body a plus. • Interpersonal: Strong communication and teamwork skills. • Skills: Strong analytical, innovative, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Expertise in 3D CAD (Siemens NX or similar). Ability to analyze heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid flow to optimize thermal performance using simulation tools preferred. What We Can Offer You • Competitive Pay & Benefits : Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more. • Work-Life Balance : Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance. This role will require you to be in the office 50% of the time (schedule based on manager's discretion). • Generous Time Off : Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community. • Retirement & Growth : 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career. • Parental Leave : Because we care about your family and your future. Compensation : The expected annual base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process. Work Shift Day (United States of America)

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