Mechanical Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer Location: Appleton, WI Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire Pay range: 95-115/K Position Summary The Project Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of custom automated packaging equipment and system solutions for the food industry. This role manages engineering projects from concept through installation, coordinating efforts between engineering, manufacturing, service, sales, suppliers, and customers. The Project Engineer develops mechanical designs, creates bills of material and manufacturing documentation, supports machine assembly and testing, and assists with equipment startup and commissioning activities. The successful candidate will have strong mechanical engineering skills, experience working within an OEM manufacturing environment, and the ability to balance technical design responsibilities with project execution. Key Responsibilities Project Management & Execution • Lead assigned engineering projects from order kickoff through customer acceptance • Coordinate project activities with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, service, and sales teams • Monitor project schedules, identify risks, and drive timely project completion • Participate in customer meetings to gather requirements and support project execution Mechanical Design & Engineering • Design and develop custom packaging machinery and machine modifications using SolidWorks • Create manufacturing drawings, bills of material, assembly documentation, and engineering specifications • Perform engineering calculations related to machine performance, loads, tolerances, and component selection • Select mechanical components, materials, actuators, and system hardware • Ensure designs meet safety, performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements Manufacturing & Testing Support • Support manufacturing during machine assembly and testing • Troubleshoot design and performance issues during build and startup • Work closely with Electrical Engineering to integrate mechanical and controls systems • Participate in machine testing, validation, and customer acceptance activities Continuous Improvement • Support new product development and product enhancement initiatives • Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost • Assist in the development of standard machine platforms and engineering best practices Customer Support • Support machine installation, startup, and commissioning activities as required • Provide technical assistance to customers, field service personnel, and internal teams • Travel to customer sites as needed Qualifications Required • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline • 3+ years of experience in OEM machinery, packaging equipment, automation equipment, or capital equipment design • Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software • Experience creating manufacturing drawings, assembly documentation, and bills of material • Strong mechanical design and problem-solving skills • Experience supporting projects in a manufacturing environment • Strong organizational and project management skills • Excellent communication and teamwork skills • Ability to travel approximately 10-20% Preferred • Experience in food packaging, food processing, or automated manufacturing equipment • Experience designing conveyor systems, material handling systems, or packaging machinery • Knowledge of machine safety standards and risk assessment practices • Experience working with electrical controls and automation systems • Experience supporting machine startup and customer installations • Experience with ERP, CRM, or PDM systems Compensation • Base compensation: $95,000 - $115,000 DOE • Eligible for MICP bonus • Travel-related expenses reimbursed • Comprehensive benefits package ESPO Corporation www.espocorp.com 630-789-2525 View all open jobs at www.espocorp.com/jobs Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965 ESPO has a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, Group Health and Dental Insurance, and 401k after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.