Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Position Overview

A leading designer and manufacturer of custom processing and packaging automation equipment is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design and development efforts across advanced automation systems.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role responsible for full lifecycle product development —from initial concept and detailed design through fabrication, assembly, installation, and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will thrive in a custom automation environment , take ownership of designs, and ensure all equipment meets strict** safety standards**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of custom automated machinery for food processing and packaging applications

• Develop complex automation systems using SolidWorks (approximately 90–95% design-focused)

• Own projects from concept, detailed design, and release through fabrication, assembly, and installation

• Collaborate closely with fabrication, machining, and assembly teams throughout the build process

• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues on the shop floor during equipment build and commissioning

• Ensure all designs comply with FDA, USDA, and ANSI sanitary and safety requirements

• Develop and help implement standard machine designs for the packaging side of the business

• Support integration of automation components including conveyors, robotics, pneumatics, motors, and third-party systems

• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, reliability, and repeatability

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing custom automated machinery

• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks with extensive daily use

• Experience designing and integrating automation systems (conveyors, pneumatics, robotics, motor sizing, etc.)

• Hands-on experience working in fabrication, machining, sheet metal, and assembly environments

• Solid understanding of food-grade and sanitary design principles

• Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues during build and commissioning phases

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing food processing or packaging automation equipment

• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and ANSI standards for food machinery

• Experience integrating third-party equipment (labelers, printers, glue systems, lasers, inspection systems, etc.)

• Experience developing standardized designs within a custom equipment environment

• ERP and BOM management experience (any system; Global Shop experience is a plus)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong problem-solver who takes ownership through project completion

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, custom automation environment

• Hands-on engineer who enjoys being on the shop floor when needed

• Detail-oriented with a focus on building reliable, repeatable, and sanitary equipment

• Collaborative team player who communicates effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams

Why This Opportunity

• Highly technical, custom automation work

• True ownership from concept through installation

• Strong collaboration between engineering and manufacturing

• Opportunity to influence design standards and future product development

You should be proficient in:

• Machine Building/Assembling
• Mechanical Design & Engineering
• Product Design Experience
• Engineering Degree