Senior Design Engineer - Custom Machinery & Automation

JOB SUMMARY

As a Senior Design Engineer - Custom Machinery & Automation in Alexandria, MN, you will:

• Design new high-speed automation machinery focused on efficiency, durability, and cost-effective performance.
• Develop new equipment concepts and standardize existing machine designs to improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for manufacturing, assembly, and equipment performance issues.
• Improve and update current product lines using new tools, materials, technologies, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and assembly teams to ensure machines meet specification and performance targets.
• Lead or facilitate technical design reviews to support knowledge sharing, peer development, and engineering best practices.
• Apply strong critical-thinking skills to independently resolve complex mechanical and automation challenges.
• Generate innovative ideas to improve equipment performance, process efficiency, and engineering outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers and Applied partners to support design, sourcing, and manufacturing needs.
• Contribute to projects that impact communities in Fergus Falls, Willmar, Osakis, and Glenwood, and the greater Alexandria, MN metro.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) required.
• 8+ years of machine design experience, preferably in packaging automation, custom machinery, or industrial equipment.
• Proven ability to work independently with strong judgment, initiative, and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving skills for complex mechanical, automation, and system-level challenges.
• Experience collaborating across manufacturing, assembly, electrical, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for design reviews, documentation, and supplier interactions.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in mechanical design and manufacturing processes.
• Willingness to support peer learning, contribute to knowledge sharing, and participate in technical reviews.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to meet internal and external assignment needs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, or balancing during equipment evaluations.