Mechanical Engineer

Who Are We?

Have you ever gone into a grocery store or convenience store for things like milk, bagged salads, or frozen pizza? The coolers and freezers you find those and other food products in are what we do! Zero Zone is a manufacturer of reach-in and open refrigerated and frozen food display cases as well as the refrigeration systems that work behind the scenes to cool the cases, keeping the food fresh! We also make powerful industrial refrigeration systems for food warehousing, pharmaceuticals, and even ice rinks!

Our company is structured across 2 divisions – the Display Case Division , located in North Prairie, WI, Waukesha, WI, and Mukwonago, WI and the Refrigeration Systems Division , located in Ramsey, MN and Dyersville, IA.

What Are We Like?

At Zero Zone, you will be a valued member of the Zero Zone team, able to take ownership of your own career path. We believe in hard work, teamwork, collaboration, and respect, and we have grown through dedication to our Purpose: “Preserving customer valuables through refrigeration.” For over 60 years, we have been a leader in refrigeration, and our people are well known for exceptional customer service. We also believe we are the COOLEST coworkers (pun intended)! This is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the refrigeration industry with one of the top leading manufacturers in the country! Come grow with us!!

What Can We Offer You?

• Vacation and Personal Hours (after only 30 days!)
• Competitive Wages
• Comprehensive Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, HSA/FSA, EAP)
• 401k and Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Schedules
• Casual Dress Code
• Wellness Programs and Incentives
• Steel Toe Reimbursement
• Employee Engagement Programs
• One-time Home Computer Reimbursement
• And more!

What Will You Do?

Under the direction of the Engineering Team Lead, the Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead, support, and design the development and testing mechanical systems and components for refrigeration and merchandising equipment. This role requires a strong foundation in mechanical design, materials selection, and structural analysis with a focus on innovation, manufacturability, and performance. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with product development, testing, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust and cost-effective solutions.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for refrigeration merchandising systems
• Lead structural analysis and validation of merchandiser designs.
• Coordinate physical and functional testing of prototypes and production units
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, product management, and sales operations.
• Prepare and maintain detailed engineering documentation including drawings, test plans, scope of work, Design of Experiments (DOEx), design reviews, etc.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in product performance and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements for Effective Performance:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in mechanical design and product development
• Proven experience with CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, Creo)
• Familiarity with FEA tools and structural analysis methods. CFD experience is preferred.
• Experience with sheet metal, plastics, and thermal systems is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM principles.

Skills/Abilities/Specifications:

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Behavioral & Environmental Requirements:

• Zero Zone expects all employees to behave and communicate in a manner which will facilitate good relations with customers, clients, co-workers, and supervisors: maintaining a positive work atmosphere
• Requires the use of safety toe shoes and safety glasses while in production areas.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout home office, factory offices and production areas; have use of hands and fingers to use a computer, telephone, and other office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• At times, the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls will be required.