Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Join Pro Mach and help shape the future of automation in food packaging. We need a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the redesign and modernization of our food packaging machinery, focusing on sanitary, modular, and high‑performance equipment.

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will be the architect of next‑generation equipment used in food production environments. This role requires deep expertise in mechanical design for automation, a strong understanding of hygienic design principles, and the ability to create robust, manufacturable solutions tailored for washdown conditions and high‑throughput packaging applications.

• Lead the complete redesign of existing equipment to establish a standardized, modular mechanical platform optimized for food packaging operations.
• Integrate sanitary design principles, including washdown cleanability, smooth surfaces, proper material selection, and food‑safe construction methods.
• Evaluate current mechanical systems and develop redesign strategies that enhance OEE, simplify maintenance, and support efficient changeovers.
• Create next‑generation architecture promoting scalability, product format flexibility, and component commonality.
• Design mechanical systems for packaging applications such as sealing, motion mechanisms, film handling, and product dosing.
• Develop 3‑D CAD models, detailed assemblies, and fully documented drawing packages.
• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack‑up analyses, and material selections suitable for sanitary environments such as stainless steel and other FDA‑compliant materials.
• Apply DFM/DFA principles for high‑volume or customized machinery builds.
• Lead technical reviews, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to establishing engineering standards.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Controls, and Automation Engineering teams for seamless machine integration.
• Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Service teams to support machine builds, testing, and field performance.
• Direct prototype builds, functional testing, and iterative design improvements.
• Validate mechanical systems for food safety, durability, throughput, sealing integrity, film handling, and motion accuracy.
• Conduct root‑cause analyses for failures and implement corrective design measures.
• Support FATs, SATs, and customer acceptance testing when required.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, revision control, and design release processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSME or BSMET), or equivalent industry experience in mechanical design.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in packaging machinery, food processing equipment, or industrial automation.
• Strong proficiency with 3‑D CAD tools (Inventor preferred).
• Proven experience with DFM/DFA, machine frames, pneumatics, filling, and sealing or capping systems.
• Familiarity with sanitary/hygienic design requirements and materials suitable for food‑contact or washdown zones (e.g., 3‑A, USDA Food Equipment Standards).
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical testing, prototyping, and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of materials, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and mechanical tolerances.

Base Salary Range: $125,000 – $140,000. Total compensation includes potential short‑term incentive opportunities, comprehensive medical/dental/vision programs, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, a retirement savings plan with company match, and a wellness program. Benefits are eligible on the first day of employment.

Pro Mach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pro Mach uses E‑Verify to verify employment eligibility of all new hires in the United States. Pro Mach is a drug‑free workplace. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.