Senior mechanical design engineer - Electrical panels
Job Summary
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the mechanical design and development of Low Voltage (LV), Medium Voltage (MV), Motor Control Centers (MCC), Control & Relay Panels, and other electrical enclosures. The role involves designing sheet metal structures, busbar support systems, internal layouts, and enclosure assemblies while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
The engineer will work closely with electrical design engineers, production, procurement, quality, and project management teams to deliver cost-effective, reliable, and manufacturable panel solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design
- Design mechanical layouts for LV switchboards, MCCs, distribution boards, control panels, PLC panels, and MV switchgear.
- Prepare complete manufacturing drawings using CAD software.
- Develop enclosure structures, mounting arrangements, cable compartments, doors, covers, and ventilation systems.
- Design busbar support structures and mechanical fixing systems.
- Optimize panel dimensions based on electrical requirements and customer specifications.
- Ensure proper accessibility for installation, operation, and maintenance.
Engineering Documentation
Prepare:
- General Arrangement (GA) drawings
- Fabrication drawings
- Assembly drawings
- Sheet metal drawings
- Exploded views
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Manufacturing documentation
Maintain engineering documentation according to company procedures.
Product Development
- Develop new panel designs and improve existing products.
- Standardize panel assemblies to reduce manufacturing costs.
- Participate in prototype development and testing.
- Support localization of imported panel systems.
Coordination
Coordinate with Electrical Design Engineers regarding:
- Component layouts
- Cable routing
- Busbar arrangements
- Support production during fabrication and assembly.
- Resolve manufacturing and installation issues.
- Coordinate with procurement for mechanical materials and standard parts.
Technical Compliance
Ensure designs comply with applicable standards including:
- IEC 61439
- IEC 62271 (for MV switchgear where applicable)
- IEC 60529 (IP Ratings)
- License Drawing
- Customer technical specifications
Manufacturing Support
- Provide technical support to the production department.
- Review manufacturing problems and recommend corrective actions.
- Support FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests).
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
Cost Optimization
- Optimize material utilization.
- Reduce manufacturing time.
- Improve enclosure modularity.
- Standardize mechanical components.
Leadership
- Mentor junior mechanical engineers.
- Review design work prepared by junior engineers.
- Participate in technical design reviews.
- Support engineering process improvements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum 5–10 years of experience in mechanical design of electrical panels.
- Experience with LV switchgear and MCC design is mandatory.
- Experience with MV switchgear is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
CAD Software
Proficiency in:
- AutoCAD
- SolidWorks
- EPLAN Pro Panel (preferred)
Design Knowledge
Strong knowledge of:
- Sheet metal fabrication
- CNC punching
- Laser cutting
- Bending processes
- Welding
- Powder coating
- Busbar support systems
- Mechanical tolerances
- Thermal management
- Cable management
Required Experience
Experience in designing:
- Main Distribution Boards (MDB)
- Motor Control Centers (MCC)
- Power Factor Correction Panels
- PLC Panels
- Control Panels
- Synchronization Panels
- Generator Control Panels
- Medium Voltage Panels (preferred)
Experience working with panel manufacturers such as:
- Siemens
- Schneider Electric
- ABB
- Eaton
is considered an advantage.
Competencies
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent problem-solving ability
- Leadership and mentoring capability
- Attention to detail
- Project coordination
- Time management
- Cost awareness
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time completion of mechanical designs
- Design accuracy
- Number of manufacturing design revisions
- Material cost optimization
- Engineering change reduction
- Compliance with project schedules
- Customer satisfaction
- Manufacturing efficiency improvements