About Us Sand Helper designs, manufactures, and rents powered and all-terrain mobility devices that enhance independence and accessibility for individuals of all mobility levels. We are a tight-knit, innovation-focused engineering and manufacturing operation where each team member plays a meaningful role in product development, prototyping, and hands-on problem-solving. Position Overview We are seeking a Design Engineer with strong SolidWorks proficiency and a background in mechanical or electrical engineering. This role blends CAD design with hands-on fabrication, testing, and prototyping. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between SolidWorks modeling, machining, assembling, troubleshooting, and iterative design refinement. Location: This is an in-person role at our Crofton, MD facility. Please note that as the company expands, we expect to relocate closer to the Columbia or Ellicott City, MD area within the next one to two years. Candidates should be willing to commute to either location. Key Responsibilities • Create, modify, and manage part and assembly models in SolidWorks (major component of the role). • Design and prototype mechanical systems, including drivetrains, gear and sprocket systems, frames, and mobility mechanisms. • Build, test, and refine prototypes using hand tools, power tools, machining tools, and general fabrication methods. • Perform basic electrical tasks: wiring, connectors, battery systems, and motor controller integration. • Operate or assist with equipment including saws, drills, grinders, welders (if experienced), and other fabrication tools. • Utilize machining-related equipment and methods (drill press, bandsaw, belt sander, etc.). • Research and procure prototype parts and components; maintain BOM accuracy during development. • Help with shop organization, upkeep, and workflow efficiency, including occasional cleaning and maintenance. • Support the broader team during high-demand periods (e.g., answering phones or helping with general shop tasks). • Collaborate on design improvements, safety enhancements, reliability testing, and manufacturable solutions. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. • Strong SolidWorks proficiency, including part modeling, assemblies, and mechanical design fundamentals. • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks associated with prototyping and assembly. • Proficiency with hand tools and power tools (drills, impacts, grinders, saws, etc.). • Familiarity with machining or mechanical fabrication tools. • Strong understanding of motors, drivetrains, gears, and mechanical power transmission systems. • Willingness to work in a highly hands-on engineering environment and take on varied responsibilities. Bonus Skills (Not required — tell us if you have any of these!) • Welding (MIG/TIG) or metal fabrication experience • Familiarity with CNC equipment (mills, routers) or machining workflows • Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping • Basic electronics experience involving wiring harnesses, battery systems, or motor controllers • Experience building mechanical prototypes, robots, mobility devices, or similar systems Personal Attributes • Flexible and adaptable — willing to support operations outside core engineering when needed • Hands-on, practical problem solver who enjoys building and testing as much as designing • Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks • Comfortable working in a workshop environment where iteration and creativity are valued Compensation Base Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000, depending on experience, education, and demonstrated skills (including SolidWorks proficiency and hands-on capabilities). Benefits • Health insurance (reimbursement through a QSEHRA program) • Paid time off (PTO) • Paid sick days • Paid parental leave • Career development opportunities • Company-paid training and certification courses Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year Benefits: • Dental insurance • Flexible schedule • Health insurance • Paid time off • Parental leave • Professional development assistance Application Question(s): • Are you willing to commute to Crofton, MD for now, and to Columbia or Ellicott City, MD in the future if/when the company moves to a new facility? • How much experience do you have in designing or prototyping mechanical or electromechanical systems (e.g., motors, drivetrains, gears, mobility devices, robotics)? • Do you have experience working with tools such as wrenches, sockets, pullers, presses, or other automotive/mechanical tools? Please describe. • What kinds of mechanical projects have you worked on outside of school or work (e.g., cars, motorcycles, bicycles, small engines, robots, custom builds)? • How would you describe your proficiency with SolidWorks? (For example: no experience, beginner, moderate, highly proficient, or expert.) Work Location: In person
See More Details >>TCOM, L.P. requires a SENIOR MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER (hydraulics focus) with experience in the design of machinery and hydraulic drive systems to join a small group designing a mobile mooring system for a lighter than air defense balloon. The balloon, known as an aerostat, is a helium filled aerodynamic balloon flown up to 15,000 ft on a state-of-the-art tether. The mooring system utilizes a capstan winch to control aerostat ascent or descent, housed in a steel structure. Truss structures carry the loads of the moored aerostat. The mooring system can weather vane with the wind, be transported on a series of special trailers, and be air transportable. This opening is for the Mechanical Design department. Working Procedure: • Design of industrial machinery for winch systems and mooring components including component selection, analysis, weld details, heat treatment and finish specifications. Should be familiar with basic machine design and analysis. • Design of closed-loop hydrostatic control system in support of winch systems and other drives possessing experience in the complete design cycle of hydraulic systems, from concept to commissioning. Size all pumps, motors, and lines with full documentation to verify system requirements. Familiarity with diesel engine driven pump design a plus. Should be familiar with generating and reviewing hydraulic schematics and possess a working knowledge of electro-hydraulics and servo hydraulics for precision control. • Solid understanding of hydraulic principles, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. • Occasional travel may be required for troubleshooting hydraulic systems either in production or fielded. • Assist in the formulation of systems requirements. • Use commercial and proprietary simulation tools in developing and evaluating designs. • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models (SolidWorks experience an advantage) for customer and production requirements. • Produce drawings and documentation in accordance with military standards (MIL-STD-100 and MIL-STD-3100) and ANSY Y14.5M. • Support internal and customer design reviews. • Generate reports, white papers and technical memoranda. • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. • Have a strong desire to work in design, be able to work in a small team environment, have good self-motivation, and be willing to take responsibility for elements of the project. • Works under technical oversight of engineering supervisors and/or senior engineers on projects or subsystems of a technical nature. • Works with manufacturing to ensure designs adhere to company manufacturing standards and capabilities for which travel may occasionally be required to TCOM’s manufacturing facility in North Carolina or to fabricators/vendors throughout the U.S. • Prepare portions of written documentation in a team environment to include engineering drawings, engineering standards, engineering specifications, technical proposals, technical manuals, disclosures and scientific discoveries. • Works as part of integrated product teams with other cross-functional professional employees in the execution of engineering functions. • Receives guidance from, and interfaces with, peers, senior engineers and other professional employees in the execution of engineering functions. Required Qualifications: • Possess BSME and 8+ years of relevant experience in design of heavy equipment. • Able to show proof of American citizenship. • Experience with manufacturing practices. • Professional computer aided design, simulation and analysis tools (Solidworks/CREO/ABAQUS/Ansys). In compliance with state and local laws, the salary range for this role is $110,000-$160,000. The range provided is a general guideline and good faith estimate representative of all experience levels but is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. TCOM considers several factors when extending an offer including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate’s experience, education/training, key skills, internal equity, and current market conditions. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See More Details >>Job Description: The successful candidate will be responsible for inspecting and preparing rental equipment, performing various repairs, and operating forklifts. Responsibilities: • Inspect and prepare rental equipment for use • Perform various repairs on equipment as needed • Operate forklifts to move equipment around the facility This is a hands-on role that requires strong mechanical skills and attention to detail.
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Columbia, MD, typically begins with an apprenticeship that blends hands-on experience with classroom instruction, enabling individuals to gain practical skills while earning a wage. Apprenticeships in this field generally span three to four years, demanding extensive training under seasoned professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a nationwide presence of 937,390 mechanical trade professionals, with an average weekly wage of $1,503.83 in Columbia, MD. The Bureau also projects a 11% job growth from 2023 to 2033. Aspiring mechanical trade professionals can explore apprenticeship opportunities through trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild, leading to a promising career with the potential for experienced professionals to earn upwards of $85,000 annually.
