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Mechanical Engineer III

Generac · Waukesha, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 complex mechanical system you designed from concept to production. What tradeoffs did you make?

What they are checking: Senior-level ownership of balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability and cost.

Tell me about a time you mentored a less experienced engineer through a hard technical problem.

What they are checking: Technical leadership, since the posting describes this role as a key resource for others.

Tell me about a time you disagreed with electrical or firmware engineers on a design decision. How was it resolved?

What they are checking: Cross-functional collaboration on integrated products where mechanical choices affect other teams.

What would you do

Your design meets performance targets but manufacturing says it's hard to build. What do you do?

What they are checking: Willingness to rework a design for manufacturability rather than defend it.

The schedule is slipping and you're asked to skip a validation test. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Defending reliability and compliance under schedule pressure with a clear risk case.

How do you work with suppliers when a part keeps failing in testing?

What they are checking: Driving root cause with outside partners, since the role includes vendor site travel.

About the work

How would you approach thermal management in an enclosure for a battery or inverter product in Generac's clean energy line?

What they are checking: Applied heat transfer judgment, which drives reliability in clean energy hardware.

How do you use DFMEA on a new product, and how do you keep it from becoming paperwork?

What they are checking: Whether they use risk analysis to actually change designs, not just fill in forms.

Walk me through a tolerance stack-up you did that changed a design decision.

What they are checking: Real analytical rigor rather than relying on default tolerances.

What compliance standards have you designed to, like UL, and how did they shape the mechanical design?

What they are checking: Experience designing for certification, which the posting lists as a core objective.

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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? Generac Home is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Waukesha, WI. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for leading design and development activities of new products as well as design improvements to various products in Generac’s Clean Energy business group. The Senior Mechanical Engineer serves as a key technical resource, driving engineering excellence across cross-functional teams while balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, compliance, schedule, and cost objectives. Come join our team in our mission to power the transition to clean, smart, renewable energy! Occasional travel to other Generac facilities and vendor sites as necessary. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Design and integrate complex mechanical systems and components while optimizing performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost • Provide technical leadership on complex product development programs and serve as the primary mechanical engineering subject matter expert throughout the product lifecycle. • Create and maintain engineering documentation including CAD models, drawings, specifications, assembly instructions, and design reports • Partner closely with internal and external testing resources to develop and execute verification and validation plans • Support supplier qualification activities, component validation, PPAP reviews, and manufacturing launch readiness. • Communicate project status, technical recommendations, and design decisions to leadership and stakeholders • Support manufacturing operations through production issue resolution, continuous improvement efforts, and implementation of engineering changes. • Conducts DFMEA and owns and executes Design Validation and Verification Plans and Results (DVP&R). • Creates and executes product development plans (schedule, product cost, meeting design inputs) • Travels to other Generac facilities and vendor sites as necessary. • Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline • 5 years of relevant work experience Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: • Technical Skills to include 3D modeling (Creo) FEA (Creo Simulate or ANSYS) • Knowledgeable in manufacturing techniques for sheet metal and plastic components • Applies engineering knowledge and experience to improve products, services and processes • Able to solve complex engineering problems • Strong decision-making skills • Great ability to work in a dynamic environment and strong tolerance for ambiguity • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Microsoft software including Excel, Project, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with GD&T and statistical stack up of tolerances • Experience with machine design • Background in Electrical enclosure design and agency certification • Integration experience with power electronics • Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA). • Experience leading DFMEA, DVP&R, reliability testing, and product validation activities. • Experience with Windchill or a similar product life cycle management system At this time candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future cannot be considered inclusive of OPT or H1B transfer. No 3rd parties or agencies at this time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. #LI-HR1 “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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