Senior Machine Design Engineer

Position Description

Title:                                        Senior Machine Design Engineer

Department:                           Engineering

Immediate Supervisor:         Engineering Manager

Status:                                    Exempt Salaried     

Position Purpose:              We are seeking an experienced Senior Machine Design Engineer to develop custom automated packaging machinery including cartoners, case packers, palletizers, and related end-of-line equipment. In this role, you will take customer projects from an approved machine concept through detailed design and release for manufacturing. Projects range from modifications of proven machine platforms to completely new machine concepts requiring original engineering solutions. The successful candidate will be a highly capable machine designer who can work independently, make sound engineering decisions, manage multiple priorities, and deliver complete machine designs on aggressive schedules.

Work Environment

Our projects typically range from $500,000 to $2.5 million, move quickly, and involve the design and delivery of highly customized automated machinery. Engineers in this role are entrusted with significant ownership and responsibility and expected to do what is necessary to meet commitments.. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and is comfortable adapting to evolving priorities and schedules. Our project timelines are measured in weeks, not months.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Design and Development

Develop detailed mechanical designs for custom packaging machinery and automation systems.

Create and validate machine concepts through timing studies, motion analysis, and engineering calculations.

Design complete machine assemblies and mechanisms using 3D CAD software.

Generate production-ready 2D fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.

Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.

Review and improve existing machine designs for performance, cost, and ease of manufacture.

Project Execution

Own engineering execution for assigned projects from concept through release.

Deliver complete drawing and documentation packages that support procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, installation, and service.

Manage engineering schedules and priorities to meet project milestones.

Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.

Cross-Functional Support

Work closely with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, Controls Engineering, Purchasing, Service, and Field Installation teams.

Support machine build, testing, startup, and troubleshooting activities.

Provide technical support during manufacturing, commissioning, and customer installation as needed.

Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

7+ years of machine design experience.

Advanced 3D CAD proficiency.

Experience creating production drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.

Strong understanding of machine design principles including:

Mechanical Power Transmission

Servo-Driven Motion Systems

Pneumatics (can you tell me what a 5/3 valve is?)

Design For Manufacturing

Mechanical Timing

Machine Kinematics

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly processes.

Experience supporting machine commissioning and field installations.

Experience designing packaging machinery such as Cartoners, Case packers, Palletizers, and Robotic packaging systems preferred.

Experience with high-speed automated manufacturing equipment preferred.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

Take ownership of complex machine design projects.

Produce accurate and complete release packages with minimal supervision.

Make practical engineering decisions under schedule pressure.

Effectively coordinate with multiple departments to keep projects moving forward.

Balance technical excellence with project deadlines and business objectives.

Consistently deliver solutions that can be purchased, built, tested, installed, and supported successfully.