Senior Design Engineer - Technical Lead

Reports to: GM

Experience Level: 8 years

Core Values: Precision | Reliability | Innovation

Our client, located in Goodhue County, Minnesota, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Design Engineer for the mechanical design and development of advanced packaging automation equipment within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. This is a hands‑on engineering leadership role responsible for driving machine design initiatives from concept through production, improving engineering methods and systems, and collaborating cross‑functionally with manufacturing, controls, project management, and leadership teams.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mechanical design for custom automation and packaging machinery, strong proficiency in 3D CAD systems, and the ability to lead complex engineering projects with minimal oversight.

This position is primarily on‑site to support collaboration, machine development, testing, and production integration, with some scheduling flexibility available.

• Lead the design and development of custom packaging and automation equipment from concept through release
• Create detailed mechanical designs, assemblies, layouts, and manufacturing drawings using Solid Works or similar CAD platforms
• Develop innovative machine concepts focused on reliability, manufacturability, efficiency, cost, and performance
• Serve as a technical leader for complex automation projects and provide mentorship to junior engineers and designers
• Collaborate closely with controls engineering, manufacturing, project management, sourcing, and service teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, tolerance analysis, and troubleshooting activities
• Support prototype builds, machine testing, debugging, and customer acceptance activities
• Oversee BOM development, component selection, and engineering documentation
• Ensure projects meet schedule, budget, quality, and customer requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to machine performance, standardization, and engineering processes
• Interface directly with customers when needed to support technical discussions and project execution

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design engineering within packaging equipment, automation machinery, or custom industrial equipment environments
• Strong experience designing high‑speed automated machinery and packaging systems
• Advanced proficiency with Solid Works or comparable 3D CAD software
• Experience with machine design principles including pneumatics, servo motion systems, conveyance systems, robotics integration, mechanical power transmission, and fabricated assemblies
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes
• Experience leading engineering projects and mentoring technical teams
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Must be comfortable working on‑site regularly to support engineering and production activities

• Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods automation
• Knowledge of automation integration and controls interfaces
• Experience supporting machine commissioning and installation activities
• Familiarity with ERP systems, engineering change processes, and project tracking tools
• Exposure to customer‑facing engineering support or applications engineering
• Act as a technical leader within the engineering organization
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and engineering best practices
• Drive innovation while balancing practicality, manufacturability, and project timelines
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and operations
• Contribute to long‑term product and technology development strategies

Primarily on‑site engineering and manufacturing environment with some scheduling flexibility available. Collaborative, hands‑on culture focused on innovation and execution.

• Performance‑based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth and leadership development opportunities