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Mechanical Engineer Machine Design

Scrap Labs
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MECHANICAL ENGINEER, MACHINE DESIGN (SCRAP LABS)

Boulder, CO (On-site)

Scrap Labs was founded under the belief that high-performance metal 3D printing should be accessible to builders, labs, and small manufacturers, not just massive corporations. We are developing an ultra-low-cost, high-performance metal powder bed fusion platform designed to be reproducible with off-the-shelf parts, minimal labor, and a scrappy, experimental ethos. Our goal is to unlock rapid iteration and real manufacturing capability for the next wave of hardware innovation.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, MACHINE DESIGN (SCRAP LABS)

As a member of the Scrap Labs machine design team, you will work alongside a small, high-output group of engineers and technicians to design, build, and validate critical mechanical systems for our metal 3D printer platform and supporting subsystems. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, spanning CAD, prototyping, assembly, test, and iteration. You will own hardware from concept through working reality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, build, and activate mechanical subsystems for a metal powder bed fusion (SLM) 3D printer platform (structures, mechanisms, motion assemblies, thermal hardware, enclosures, powder handling interfaces)
  • Develop the “factory-in-a-lab” approach: rapid prototyping, test-driven iteration, and design-for-assembly improvements to accelerate build speed and reliability
  • Collaborate across disciplines (electrical, firmware/software, optics/laser, process development) to influence system architecture and interfaces
  • Execute structural sizing, mechanism design, hardware fabrication support, and development testing to deliver functional prototypes and production-intent designs
  • Create detailed CAD models and engineering drawings in SolidWorks; manage large assemblies and configurations with clean revision control
  • Perform engineering hand calculations and basic analysis to size structures, fasteners, mechanisms, and interfaces
  • Support manufacturing planning and build execution (machining, sheet metal, welding, vendor sourcing, assembly procedures)
  • Own test fixtures and validation setups; document results and drive design changes based on real-world data
  • Improve reliability and serviceability through thoughtful design, tolerance strategy, and practical GD&T application

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline (recent graduate or early career)
  • Experience using a CAD design package (SolidWorks strongly preferred; others acceptable)
  • Demonstrated hands-on mechanical experience through one or more of the following: project team, personal build projects, internships, research lab work, makerspace work, or professional experience
  • Ability to translate an idea into physical hardware through iterative prototyping and debugging

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Prior experience with 3D printing (FDM, SLA, SLS, or metal additive), including practical understanding of print constraints, fixturing, and post-processing
  • Experience designing mechanisms (linkages, cams, belt/lead screw drives, bearings, preload, alignment-sensitive assemblies)
  • Experience with manufacturing processes: FDM, machining, sheet metal, welding, fastener selection, tolerance stack-ups
  • Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and aggressive iteration cycles
  • Strong communication skills: clear documentation, crisp design reviews, and direct coordination with technicians and suppliers
  • Experience working alongside AI, knowing when it is appropriate to use it and when it is not.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • On-site role in Boulder, CO; ability to work safely in a raw prototyping and production shop environment
  • Work schedule may vary based on build/test cycles; flexibility is required during critical integration pushes
  • Physical requirements may include lifting, standing, bending, climbing ladders, and working around shop equipment and active test setups
  • Stand: Up to 3 hours/day
  • Sit: Up to 6 hours/day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 25 lbs (unassisted) 1 to 2 hours/day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 50 lbs (unassisted) 1 to 2 hours/day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour/day
  • Kneel/Crouch: Up to 2 hours/day

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Scrap Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by any legally protected status.

TO APPLY

Go to our careers page: www.ScrapLabs3D.com/careers or send a resume and a short note highlighting 1 to 2 projects you’ve built (links, photos, or a portfolio welcome).