Mechanical Engineer – R&D Team (Build What Doesn’t Exist Yet)
The Opportunity
Most engineering roles maintain systems and designs. This one builds them.
At Magnetic Products Inc. (MPI), we have been designing and manufacturing equipment for over 45 years that solves real-world problems in food processing, plastics, metals, and beyond, removing metal contamination, improving product quality, and keeping people safe.
Right now, we are working on our innovative next-generation systems, including advanced automation and custom-engineered solutions for our global partners.
We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineer who wants to:
- Design real machines, not just models
- See their work built, tested, and shipped
- Solving problems that don’t have a playbook
If you want to build, test, break, and improve… keep reading.
Why This Role is Different
Own your work
You will take projects from concept → prototype → production → field deployment, working closely with experienced teammates across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership. Ownership here means having responsibility and visibility, while also having the support and collaboration needed to execute successfully.
Move with speed and purpose
Our engineering and manufacturing teams work side by side, allowing you to rapidly iterate, test, and refine designs. This speed is supported by strong engineering fundamentals, design standards, and validation processes to ensure what we build works reliably in the real world.
Utilize best-in-class fabrication capabilities
From laser cutting and machining to welding and final assembly, our full manufacturing operation is under one roof. This gives you direct access to the tools, people, and processes needed to bring designs to life efficiently and with precision.
Solve meaningful, real-world problems
Our equipment plays a critical role in protecting food, improving manufacturing quality, and solving complex process challenges across multiple industries. The work you do here has tangible, real-world impact.
Be part of a people-first, family-owned culture
As a family-owned business, we take a long-term approach to decisions, relationships, and growth. We invest in our people, value trust and accountability, and create an environment where individuals are recognized for their contributions—not just their titles.
Grow alongside the business
We are a growing company with ambitious goals, which means opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our products and organization.
What You’ll Do
- Design and develop mechanical systems from concept through production
- Combine hands-on development with disciplined engineering practices, including design reviews, validation testing, and clear documentation to ensure quality and repeatability
- Build and test prototypes in-house (and sometimes in the field)
- Solving real-world engineering problems under real constraints
- Perform analysis (FEA, fatigue, motion) to validate designs
- Work cross-functionally with customers, controls, and manufacturing teams
- Investigate failures and improve designs based on real performance
- Support installations and testing at customer sites when needed (~10%)
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of hands-on mechanical design / R&D experience
- Strong fundamentals in structures, materials, and motion systems
- Experience designing for manufacturability (not just theory)
- Proficient in 3D CAD software, SolidWorks, Catia, Inventor (preferred)
- Experience with PDM software (Autodesk Vault preferred)
- Comfortable being hands-on in the shop and in the field
- Someone who takes ownership and pushes projects forward
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar
- Experience with APQP processes, validation plans, and FMEA
- Knowledge of machining, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing
- Experience with conveyors and/or magnetics
- Strong understanding of real-world mechanical system design, including tolerances, materials, fasteners, and fabrication
Bonus Points
- Experience with automation, robotics, or heavy equipment
- Background in dynamic systems or vibration analysis
- Experience working directly with manufacturing teams
- Understanding of control systems and motion feedback
- Understanding of program languages such as Python, VBA, or iLogic
- Experience with parametric configurators
What This Role is NOT
- Not a slow-moving corporate engineering role
- Not a purely analytical/design-only position
- Not a role where you wait for direction
Why MPI
A family-owned company that thinks long term
We make decisions with a long-term mindset—investing in our people, our products, and our future. You’re not just filling a role; you’re helping build something that lasts.
Engineering-driven at our core
Engineering is not a support function here—it’s central to how we innovate, solve problems, and win in the market. Your work will directly influence product direction and customer outcomes.
Access and impact from day one
You’ll have direct access to leadership and be part of real decision-making. Good ideas move quickly here, and your voice will be heard.
A high-trust, high-accountability environment
We believe in giving people ownership and the freedom to execute. With that comes accountability—but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Built for speed and execution
Our teams collaborate closely across engineering, manufacturing, and sales, allowing us to move quickly from idea to reality.
Competitive compensation and meaningful growth
We offer a strong compensation and benefits package, along with real opportunities to grow as the company grows.
Location
Highland, MI (on-site — where the work happens)
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
-
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
-
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
-
- Mechanical engineering: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
-
- Highland, MI 48356 (Required)
Join MPI in shaping the future of the industry, where excellence in customer satisfaction and product innovation is the standard. Practical guidance, uncompromising service.
To apply, submit resume detailing work experience via email to careers@mpimagnet.com and reference Engineering position in the subject line. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Metal Fabrication Operator (Press Brake)
Department: Metal Fabrication
Reports To: Production Manager
Shift: 1st shift, Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM – 4:15 PM (overtime occasionally on Friday)
Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour
The Opportunity
Do you thrive in a high-tech fabrication environment where precision meets innovation? At Magnetic Products, Inc. (MPI), we’ve been building world-class magnetic separation, metal detection, and material handling systems for over 44 years.
We are seeking a Metal Fabrication Operator to run our brand-new, state-of-the-art Mitsubishi CNC press brake with automated tool changer as well as our traditional hydraulic press brakes. This position offers the best of both worlds — the chance to work with cutting-edge automated technology while also applying hands-on expertise with manual hydraulic equipment. You’ll help produce precision parts that become critical components in equipment serving industries like food production, recycling, and packaging.
Why Join Us
Work with the best tools – brand-new Mitsubishi CNC press brake with automated tool changer, plus hands-on experience with hydraulic press brakes
Modern, clean facility – organized, safe, and designed for productivity
Innovation and growth – ongoing investment in new technology and training
Make an impact – your work helps keep critical manufacturing processes running
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and operate the Mitsubishi CNC press brake with automated tool changing capability
- Operate hydraulic press brakes, including manual loading and setup, for specific production runs
- Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and specifications to ensure parts meet exact tolerances
- Select, load, and change tooling automatically using the CNC press brake’s advanced software interface
- Verify quality by inspecting first-run pieces and adjusting programs to achieve precise results
- Safely operate overhead cranes and forklifts to move and stage sheet metal materials
- Perform routine maintenance and coordinate with the maintenance team for repairs
- Document all work for quality and traceability before sending to the next process
- Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized work area
- Able to work in other metal fabrication areas, including laser cutting and machining, as needed to support production schedules
What You Bring
- Minimum 3 years of press brake operation experience
- Skilled in setup and adjustment for complex bends
- Ability to hold tight tolerances and verify quality on every run
- Comfortable working with both CNC and hydraulic press brake operations
- Experience with cranes, forklifts, and general shop equipment
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
Physical Requirements & Safety
- Stand for extended periods (up to 80% of shift)
- Occasionally kneel, crouch, or climb to position parts
- Lift up to 100 lbs. occasionally and 25 lbs. frequently
- Must wear safety glasses and steel-toe shoes on the manufacturing floor
- Forklift certification (or ability to obtain) required
About MPI
MPI is a leading manufacturer of metal control systems, including magnets, metal detectors, and material handling equipment. For over 44 years, we’ve combined family-owned values with forward-thinking innovation to deliver solutions that protect people, equipment, and product purity.
Learn more about us at www.mpimagnet.com
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Health savings account & life insurance
- Professional development assistance & tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- press brake : 3 years (Preferred)
To apply, submit resume detailing work experience via email to careers@mpimagnet.com and reference Metal Fabrication position in the subject line. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Class 2 Tig Welder
MPI (Magnetic Products, Inc) is recruiting for a Class 2 Tig Welder. The Class 2 Tig Welder is proficient at reading blue prints, fitting, and completing weldments with higher grade finishes. This position welds and finishes standard existing MPI products, but is also able to produce custom products. This positions reports to the Production Manager.
First shift hours are Monday through Thursday 6am-4:15pm, with Friday overtime (as needed).
Responsibilities:
- Maintain company Work Standards.
- Maintain safe operations by adhering to company safety rules and regulations.
- Safely operate and maintain all weld machines.
- Effectively produce stitch welds, seam welds, and sanitary seam welds (ground and not ground).
- Effectively read blue prints and customer specifications.
- Effectively perform MPI’s “v” classification finishes, which is an economy finish that reduces scratches and burns.
- Effectively perform MPI’s “x” classification finishes, which is a sanitary finish that removes all scratches and burns.
- Perform some MPI’s “w” finishes, which is a food grade finish that all surfaces are finished at 180 grit or better.
- Assembly of finish products that requires the use of hand tools.
- Lift and/or turn product using the forklift and/or crane.
- Approve and document all work for quality and completeness before moving to next operation.
- Maintain a well-organized and clean work environment in the weld department.
Skills:
- Minimum two years proven tig welding experience.
- Solid background welding thin gauge stainless steel.
- Proven measurement and mathematical skills.
- Weld certification is a plus.
Safety Equipment Required:
- Must wear safety eyeglasses while on the manufacturing floor.
- Must wear steel toe shoes while on the manufacturing floor.
- Must have own weld helmet.
Physical Requirements:
- Stand- Must be able to stand in a stationary position 50% of the day.
- Kneel, crouch, or bending- Occasionally positions self to weld larger pieces of equipment.
- Carry weight, lift- Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently to move material/magnets.
- Climb- Occasionally climb a ladder to weld equipment six feet and above.
MPI Team members enjoy:
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
- Wellness programs
- 401k with company match
- Paid holidays, vacation and personal time
Learn more at https://mpimagnet.com/careers
To apply, submit resume detailing work experience via email to careers@mpimagnet.com and reference Class 2 Tig Welder Position in the subject line. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and background check.
About Magnetic Products, Inc. (MPI):
We are a Michigan-based manufacturer of metal control systems for the food, beverage, and pet food industries. We also manufacture conveyors and material handling equipment for the metal fabricating industry. Founded in 1981, we are a consistently growing company with a strong family and employee-centered culture instrumental in achieving high staff retention rates. We are also an EOS company that values lean manufacturing, modern systems, and metrics.
We want to hear from you if you’re ready to take the helm and steer MPI’s financial future towards uncharted successes. Your ability to ask deep questions, engage with every facet of the business, and lead with insight and integrity could make you the perfect fit for our team.