Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Machine Design Engineer Location: Elgin, IL area Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire Pay range: 120-145/k Position Summary The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer serves as a key technical resource within the Engineering Department and reports directly to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor. This position is responsible for the design, development, continuous improvement, and support of automated food packaging equipment and related systems. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer leads complex engineering projects from concept through production release, provides technical guidance to engineering team members, supports manufacturing and field service activities, and drives timely completion of engineering deliverables. The successful candidate will quickly develop a thorough understanding of existing equipment, assume ownership of assigned machine platforms and product improvements, and play a critical role in advancing engineering projects while maintaining a strong sense of urgency and accountability. This position requires a balance of creativity, technical expertise, practical problem-solving, and collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Operations, and Sales. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Machine Design • Design, specify, develop, test, and validate automated food packaging equipment, machine assemblies, and related systems. • Develop innovative design solutions that improve machine performance, reliability, sanitation, manufacturability, safety, and customer satisfaction. • Perform engineering calculations, simulations, and analyses to validate mechanical designs and system performance. • Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and engineering concepts to support future product development initiatives. • Develop and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation including 3D models, drawings, specifications, bills of material, engineering change orders, and technical documentation utilizing SolidWorks, PDM, and Infor SyteLine. Product Ownership & Continuous Improvement • Serve as the engineering owner for equipment subsystems and major product improvement initiatives. • Develop a thorough understanding of existing equipment and identify opportunities for performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability improvements. • Lead redesign and continuous improvement projects to address product limitations and enhance overall machine effectiveness. • Perform root cause analysis of mechanical failures and recurring field issues and implement corrective actions. • Evaluate warranty, service, production, and customer feedback to drive product improvements and reduce recurring issues. Manufacturing Support • Provide direct technical support to Manufacturing during machine assembly, testing, startup, and production activities. • Collaborate with Manufacturing personnel to resolve engineering-related production challenges. • Perform regular reviews of work-in-process and completed equipment to verify compliance with engineering standards and design intent. • Support implementation of engineering changes and resolution of nonconforming materials, assemblies, and products. • Review designs for manufacturability and assembly efficiency while promoting standardization and cost-effective solutions. Project Execution • Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously while balancing changing priorities and aggressive project deadlines. • Drive timely completion of engineering deliverables to support customer commitments, manufacturing schedules, product development initiatives, and business objectives. • Coordinate engineering activities with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Service, Quality, Project Management, and Sales departments. • Track project progress and proactively identify and address technical risks, obstacles, and resource constraints. Technical Leadership • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Mechanical Engineers, Designers, and Drafters. • Participate in design reviews and contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and design consistency. • Share product knowledge and technical expertise across engineering and cross-functional teams. • Assist in the development of engineering procedures, design standards, and documentation practices. • Serve as a technical resource for complex mechanical design challenges. Customer & Field Support • Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and technical discussions as required. • Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting efforts at customer facilities when necessary. • Collaborate with Service personnel to resolve complex technical issues and improve long-term equipment performance. • Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support equipment installations, testing, and customer requirements. Qualifications Education • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Experience • Minimum 7 years of mechanical design engineering experience. • Experience designing industrial automation equipment, packaging machinery, material handling systems, custom machinery, or capital equipment preferred. • Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects from concept through production release. • Experience in food packaging equipment, flexible packaging systems, conveyor systems, product handling equipment, or related industries strongly preferred. Technical Skills • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks CAD and Inventor software's. • Experience utilizing Product Data Management (PDM) systems. • Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, preferably Infor SyteLine. • Strong understanding of machine design principles including: • Pneumatic systems • Mechanical drives and motion systems • Sheet metal design • Machined components • Weldments • Structural design • Conveyor systems • Sanitary equipment design • Strong understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes. • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Competencies • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. • Ability to make sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. • Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and urgency. • Excellent organization and project management skills. • Effective verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail. • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build strong working relationships. • Demonstrated ability to mentor and support developing engineers and designers. Physical Requirements • Ability to work within both office and manufacturing environments. • Ability to inspect equipment on the production floor. • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. • Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally. Compensation • Base compensation: $120,000-145,000 depending on experience • 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.