Mechanical Design Engineer
TAITNashville, Tennessee
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Job Description
Description
Position Purpose
Mechanical Design Engineers (MDEs) at TAIT are responsible for project‑based mechanical design work that focuses on specialized machinery, structures, and rigging systems for the entertainment technology industry. This Nashville‑based role owns subsections of projects—called elements—bridging entry‑level drafting and senior project‑level design. The MDE partners closely with TAIT’s Lititz headquarters to uphold shared standards, champion the One TAIT culture, and ensure seamless collaboration across locations.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Engineering
Mechanical Design Engineers (MDEs) at TAIT are responsible for project‑based mechanical design work that focuses on specialized machinery, structures, and rigging systems for the entertainment technology industry. This Nashville‑based role owns subsections of projects—called elements—bridging entry‑level drafting and senior project‑level design. The MDE partners closely with TAIT’s Lititz headquarters to uphold shared standards, champion the One TAIT culture, and ensure seamless collaboration across locations.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Design & Engineering
- Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative technical solutions that align with project objectives and exceed client expectations.
- Plan and execute technical solutions within scope, schedule, and budget.
- Apply TAIT design best practices for fit and finish, manufacturing efficiency, onsite assembly/disassembly, and packaging.
- Identify and understand underlying physics of complex problems to create successful technical solutions.
- Efficiently generate robust 3D models and client‑facing drawing packages.
Project Delivery & Collaboration
- Work with project management, fabrication, procurement, and field teams from initial concept through opening night.
- Participate in design reviews, project team meetings, and use planning systems/software to meet project milestones.
- Identify long‑lead items and coordinate with purchasing to procure components and materials.
- Provide onsite or remote support during fabrication, testing, and commissioning as needed.
Cross‑Site Integration & One TAIT
- Serve as liaison between Nashville and Lititz mechanical design teams, driving alignment on standards and processes.
- Participate in regular knowledge‑sharing sessions and lessons‑learned reviews with Lititz HQ.
- Travel to Lititz (~4–6 times per year) for project kickoffs, design reviews, and team development.
- Support seamless hand‑offs of design work between Nashville, Lititz, and other TAIT offices.
Nashville‑Specific Responsibilities
- Provide local design support for rapid‑turn projects and shop‑floor inquiries.
- Attend client meetings, site surveys, and inspections in the Southeast region to represent TAIT’s engineering capability.
- Collaborate with Nashville integration and automation teams to ensure mechanical designs mesh with controls and show requirements.
- Mentor junior designers and interns within the Nashville office.
To perform this position successfully, each essential responsibility/accountability must be fulfilled satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above.
Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS/BFA in technical theater, mechanical engineering, architecture, industrial design, product design or related field
- 5+ years of experience working in a related technical field
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, ideally Autodesk Inventor and/or BIM methodologies
- Working knowledge of live entertainment technology
- Experience working in a short-term, project-based environment
- Success collaborating as part of a cross-functional team
Skills & Traits
- Systems thinking and change engagement mindset.
- Strong communication skills—hand sketches, 2D/3D CAD, and client‑facing documentation.
- Problem‑solving ability under tight deadlines with adaptability and resilience.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Technological curiosity and willingness to learn new tools and processes.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion mindset; ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Other Requirements
- Based in Nashville or willing to relocate; able to travel to Lititz and project sites as required.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods with occasional exposure to shop and site environments.
- Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to pass background checks if required by clients.
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